The origin of Blood
The origin of Blood in TCM: how food, organs and Essence come together
Traditional Chinese Medicine describes Blood formation as a cooperative process involving several organs and vital substances. It begins with food and drink but depends on Qi, Jing and the functions of the Spleen, Stomach, Lung, Heart and Kidneys.
The Spleen and Stomach: the first source
The Spleen and Stomach provide the principal postnatal source of Blood. The Stomach receives and processes food, while the Spleen transforms its useful essence into Gu Qi, or Food Qi.
Gu Qi provides an important raw material for the further production of Qi and Blood. When Spleen and Stomach transformation is weak, the basis for Blood production is also weakened.
The Lung: the driving force
The Spleen sends Gu Qi upward to the Lung. Lung Qi then helps move it toward the Heart. This illustrates the general TCM principle that Qi moves Blood and supports the processes leading to its formation and circulation.
The Heart: transformation into Blood
At the Heart, Gu Qi is further transformed into Blood. The Heart therefore not only governs Blood and the vessels within TCM theory but also participates in its formation.
This transformation is supported by Yuan Qi, Original Qi rooted in the Kidneys. Yuan Qi supports transformation throughout the body and contributes to the process of Blood production.
The Kidneys: Jing, Marrow and the deep reserve
The Kidneys store Jing. Jing produces Marrow, which in TCM includes the material associated with the bones and bone marrow. Marrow contributes to Blood formation and represents a deeper constitutional source.
The Kidneys are also the root of Yuan Qi. They therefore support Blood formation through both Jing and Marrow and through Yuan Qi.
Prenatal and postnatal sources
Blood formation demonstrates cooperation between prenatal and postnatal resources. Spleen and Stomach supply postnatal Qi through food, while the Kidneys provide the prenatal foundation through Jing and Yuan Qi.
The five aspects summarised
1. Spleen and Stomach produce Gu Qi from food and drink.
2. Lung Qi helps move Gu Qi toward the Heart.
3. Gu Qi is transformed into Blood at the Heart.
4. Yuan Qi supports this transformation.
5. Kidney Jing produces Marrow, which also contributes to Blood formation.
Clinical application
This model explains why treatment of Blood deficiency often includes supporting the Spleen and Stomach as the daily source of Gu Qi and, where appropriate, supporting the Kidneys and Jing as the deeper constitutional source.
Conclusion
Blood formation in TCM is a cooperative process. The Spleen and Stomach provide Gu Qi, Lung Qi moves it upward, the Heart transforms it, Yuan Qi supports the process and Kidney Jing and Marrow provide a deeper contribution. Blood therefore reflects both daily nourishment and constitutional reserves.