Blood and Qi: One of the Foundational Relationships in Chinese Medicine

In Chinese Medicine (CM), few relationships are as fundamental—or as frequently misunderstood—as the relationship between Blood (血, Xue) and Qi (氣).Classical physicians expressed this relationship with remarkable clarity, yet modern translations often dilute or distort its meaning.

Nei Jing Tu

To understand it properly, we must recognise that Blood and Qi in CM are functional realities, not anatomical structures or biochemical measurements.

Blood in Chinese Medicine Is Not the Same as Blood in Western Medicine

Classical texts make it clear that Blood in CM is far more than a circulating fluid.

The Huangdi Neijing states:

「血者，神氣也。」Blood is the dwelling of Spirit and Qi.

Here, Blood is described as something that houses and stabilises mental and emotional life, not merely something that flows through vessels.

Blood (血, Xue) in Chinese Medicine:

• Nourishes the organs and tissues

• Moistens the body

• Anchors the Shen (神) — mind and consciousness

• Supports emotional stability

• Governs menstruation, fertility, and growth

Another classical line reinforces this:

「心藏神，肝藏血。」The Heart stores the Spirit; the Liver stores Blood.

This illustrates that Blood is integral to emotional regulation and mental clarity, not just physical nourishment.

Qi Is Not “Energy”

The Neijing never describes Qi as an abstract energy. Instead, it defines Qi through function and activity.

「氣者，人之根本也。」Qi is the root of the human being.

Qi is what allows all physiological processes to occur.

Qi (氣) in Chinese Medicine:

• Drives movement and transformation

• Enables digestion, respiration, and metabolism

• Protects the body

• Regulates circulation

• Maintains structural integrity

A key classical phrase states:

「氣化則生，氣絕則死。」Where Qi transforms, there is life; where Qi ceases, there is death.

Qi is therefore the principle of life in action, not a vague force.

“Blood Is the Mother of Qi”

One of the most cited classical statements on this relationship is:

「血為氣之母。」Blood is the mother of Qi.

This means Qi requires a material and nourishing foundation.Without Blood, Qi lacks stability, depth, and resilience.

When Blood is insufficient:

• Qi becomes weak or easily exhausted

• Mental focus declines

• Emotional regulation becomes fragile

• Physical endurance diminishes

Blood provides the substance that allows Qi to arise and be sustained.

“Qi Moves Blood”

The relationship is reciprocal.

Classical texts also state:

「氣為血之帥。」Qi is the commander of Blood.

Blood is yin and substantial. It cannot circulate without Qi.

When Qi is weak or constrained:

• Blood circulation slows

• Pain and fixed discomfort may appear

• Coldness, numbness, or stagnation develop

• Emotional constraint often mirrors physical symptoms

This leads to another well-known principle:

「不通則痛，通則不痛。」Where there is no free flow, there is pain; where there is free flow, there is no pain.

A Single Functional System

The Neijing summarises the relationship elegantly:

「氣行則血行。」When Qi moves, Blood moves.

Blood and Qi are not two separate substances, but two aspects of one living system:

• Blood nourishes and anchors

• Qi activates and mobilises

Together, they sustain:

• Physical vitality

• Emotional balance

• Mental clarity

Why This Relationship Matters Today

Classical Chinese Medicine never separated mind and body.The Blood–Qi relationship explains why:

• Chronic fatigue affects emotions

• Emotional constraint affects circulation

• Stress leads to physical symptoms

• Nourishment without movement is insufficient

Understanding this relationship allows Chinese Medicine to remain clinically relevant, without mysticism or reductionism.

Final Reflection

The classics remind us:

「人以氣血為本。」Human life is rooted in Qi and Blood.

Health, in Chinese Medicine, is not the presence of substances alone, nor movement alone—but the continuous, balanced interaction between Blood and Qi.