Fluids According to Chinese Medicine

The term "fluids" can most easily be understood as all the NORMAL liquids in the body. This includes all the liquids inside the organs, orifices and other parts of the body as well as all the secretions in the body and excretions out of the body. Along with blood and qi, they are part of the basic body make-up and can maintain vitality in the body.

For a more in-depth look, continue reading. If you want to learn about other aspects of Chinese medicine, choose from the following:

Table of Contents:
-Thin and Thick
-Production and Movement
-Function

Thin and Thick
Fluids [津液 jin1ye4] can be put into two categories: thin fluids [津] and thick fluids [液].

Thin fluids circulate with qi and blood. They are mainly distributed throughout the superficial layers of the body and can enter blood vessels. They can be secreted as tears, saliva, sweat, etc. This category is made up of mostly water and therefore is very thin and clear, which enables it to moisten and lubricate many areas in the body.

Thick fluids do not circulate in the body with blood and qi but rather are stored in the organs and in body cavities, such as the articular (joint) and cranial cavities. Large amounts of nutrients make it thick, therefore it has good nourishing and moistening qualities.

Production and Movement
Production starts in the stomach, where the qi and nutrients from ingested food and drink are absorbed. The spleen then brings this qi up to the lungs and distributes it to the other organs. The lungs can ensure the regular flow of water in the body. The kidneys help distribute the fluids throughout the entire body and are also responsible for turning the extra and the waste into urine. The small intestine separates the clear from the turbid. The large intestine, while moving waste material down, can still absorb the clear. Here is a flow chart for supply, distribution and excretion.

Function
The basic function of fluid is to moisten and nourish the body. You can think of your body like a car engine. There are many fast moving parts all rubbing against each other. The oil you put in your engine will lubricate those parts so that it will run smoothly. Without it, the engine will seize up and stop working. To apply this idea to the human body,  without the proper amount or quality of lubrication, bones can rub together at your joints and cause pain.

Because it is a part of blood, it is very important to have enough fluids in the body. You must replenish them to maintain a certain amount and quality of blood in your body.

If the body becomes too hot and there is an excess of yang in the body, fluids can control this imbalance because of their yin nature. Oil not only lubricates, but also disperses heat from an otherwise scorching engine. The yin of fluids in the same way can decrease the yang of the body.

An important thing to note is that when we say "replenish the fluids" in your body, it doesn't necessarily mean drinking a ton of water.  Yes, water is important in allowing your body to function properly.  We're talking, however, in slightly more abstract Chinese medicine terms. Sometimes, depending on the overall state of your body and the type of fluid needed, it won't matter how much water you drink, because your body may not process it properly.  In cases like this, you may need herbs, acupuncture, or another treatment to help you regain that healthy balance.     

For information on how Qi, Blood and Fluids interact with each other, please see



Qi, Blood and Fluids.

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