Qi, blood, and bodily fluids in women
WOMEN
Halina Nguyễn
5/17/20263 min read
Content
Qi: The invisible energy guiding the body
Blood: The fountain of beauty and femininity
Jin Ye (Body Fluids): The cooling stream that hydrates and lubricates
I often joke with myself that I've spent way too much time just eating, haha. However, upon reflection, the saying holds true: "Three years of skincare cannot compare to one month of nourishing the blood." Never before has the trend of Eastern wellness (Traditional Chinese Medicine) flourished as brilliantly as it does now, and of course, I am not stepping out of this natural beauty circle.
Revolving around this topic, people talk a lot about "Qi and Blood," but rarely mention what "Jin Ye" (Body Fluids) is, unintentionally overlooking a highly crucial factor for a woman's figure and beauty. In today's article, I will clarify the close connection between Qi, Blood, and Jin Ye—the "three treasures" that fundamentally determine a woman's physique, skin, mood, and inner health.
1. Qi: The invisible energy guiding the body
Eastern medicine says: "Qi is the commander of Blood." You can imagine our body as a machine, and Qi is the electricity or invisible motor that runs it. Qi functions to warm and protect the body from pathogenic cold, and most importantly, it creates the driving force to transport Blood and Jin Ye to nourish the entire body.
Characteristics in women: A woman with abundant Qi will have a resonant voice, a light and agile gait, and warm hands and feet. Good Qi circulation ensures regular menstruation without congestion that causes menstrual cramps (a condition known as Qi stagnation and blood stasis).
When Qi is deficient: The most obvious signs are lethargy, shortness of breath, reluctance to speak, night sweats, and frequently cold limbs. Especially, when "Qi fails to govern Blood," it can cause constant spotting, leading to prolonged menstruation.
How to nourish: To nourish Qi, you need moderate exercise (yoga, deep breathing) to clear the meridians. Additionally, keeping the body warm—especially the soles of the feet and the lower abdomen—using natural therapies like foot baths or drinking warm ginger tea in the morning is a wonderful way to revive your Qi.
2. Blood: The fountain of beauty and femininity
If Qi is the motor, then Blood is the tangible fuel (gasoline, oil). There is a fundamental principle in wellness: "Women are governed by Blood." A woman's life involves stages that consume an enormous amount of blood: Menstruation, Vaginal discharge, Pregnancy, and Childbirth.
Characteristics in women: Abundant Blood results in a rosy, radiant complexion; naturally red lips; smooth, black hair; and a peaceful mind that easily falls asleep. Blood is the material foundation that creates the soft beauty of women.
When Blood is deficient: Skin becomes pale and sallow, dizziness occurs when standing up or sitting down, severe hair loss, and brittle nails. Poor Blood also makes the mind restless, prone to vivid dreams, and tossing and turning with insomnia.
How to nourish: "Blood is the mother of Qi"—only when Blood is sufficient does Qi have a place to anchor. You should increase your intake of red and black foods (jujubes, goji berries, black beans, black sesame) or turmeric to nourish and invigorate the blood. Equally important is going to sleep before 11 PM—the "golden hour" for the Liver to perform its function of storing blood (reserving and regenerating blood).
3. Jin Ye (Body Fluids): The cooling stream that hydrates and lubricates
This is the least mentioned factor but is a "secret weapon" against aging. Jin Ye is the collective term for all normal fluids in the body (excluding blood), including sweat, tears, saliva, joint fluid, and vaginal secretions.
The role of Jin Ye: "Jin" (fluids) refers to the clear, thin liquids distributed on the surface to moisturize the skin and grow hair. "Ye" (humors) refers to the thick, heavy liquids that lubricate the joints and nourish the marrow. For women, Jin Ye plays a key role in maintaining moisture for the reproductive system, preserving romantic happiness.
When Jin Ye depletes: Common in women who stay up late, neglect drinking water, or enter perimenopause. Manifestations include dry and dull skin, deep wrinkles, dry mouth, constipation, and the most dreaded condition of vaginal dryness, which causes pain and decreased libido.
How to nourish & the connection: Qi generates Jin Ye, and excessive sweating (loss of Jin Ye) will damage both Qi and Blood. To generate Jin, besides drinking enough water and eating berries, you can sip on floral teas (chrysanthemum, rose) which help clear heat and hydrate from within. At the same time, limit exposure to artificial chemicals and fragrances to avoid exhausting your internal organs during detoxification, thereby preserving your precious Jin Ye.
Conclusion
Qi, Blood, and Jin Ye do not operate independently but circulate, transform, and rely on each other: Qi pushes Blood, Blood nourishes Qi, and Jin Ye cools and lubricates the entire system.
Beauty care has never been just a story of hastily applied layers of makeup on the outside. Hopefully, through this article, you have clearly understood what your body needs. Let's return to nurturing yourself from within, eating healthily, and keeping a relaxed mind so that Qi and Blood can circulate smoothly and Jin Ye remains abundant, thereby fully preserving your youth.