Understanding Qi Running in the Meridians as Interstitial Fluid Flowing via Interstitial Space of Low Hydraulic Resistance

作者：Zhang, Wei-bo; Jia, De-xian; Li, Hong-yan; Wei, Yu-long; Yan, Huang; Zhao, Peng-na; Gu, Fei-fei; Wang, Guang-jun; Wang, Yan-ping^*

来源：Chinese Journal of Integrative Medicine, 2018, 24(4): 304-307.

DOI：10.1007/s11655-017-2791-3

• qi
• interstitial fluid
• meridian
• interstitial space
• low hydraulic resistance

Qi, blood and the meridians are fundamental concepts in Chinese medicine (CM), which are components of the human body and maintain physiological function. Pathological changes of qi, blood and meridians may lead to discomfort and disease. Treatment with acupuncture or herbal medicine aims to regulate qi and blood so as to recover normal function of the meridians. This paper explores the nature of qi as well as compares and correlates them with the structures of the human body. We propose a conceptualization of qi as being similar to the interstitial fluid, and the meridians as being similar to interstitial space of low hydraulic resistance in the body. Hence, qi running in the meridians can be understood as interstitial fluid flowing via interstitial space of low hydraulic resistance.

• 出版日期2018-4
• 单位中医学科学院; 中国中医科学院; 北京中医药大学