Traditional Chinese Medicine has its own vocabulary. To understand a diagnosis, a food profile or a dietary protocol, certain words recur constantly: Qi, Yin, Yang, Spleen, Stomach, Qi Deficiency, Dampness, thermal nature and tropism.
This glossary brings together the 50 core concepts to know. Each term is explained in a few lines, with its Chinese characters and pinyin where relevant. This page serves as an entry point: the brief definitions progressively link to detailed articles of 300 to 500 words.
Fundamental Concepts
Qi (气 Qì)
Qi is the functional energy that animates the body’s processes: digestion, respiration, circulation, immune defence and mental activity. In Chinese dietary therapy, one often seeks to support it with gentle, cooked and easily transformed foods. Read the full definition
Yin (阴 Yīn)
Yin represents matter, fluids, coolness, rest and the body’s capacity to nourish and moisten tissues. A Yin Deficiency may manifest as dryness, internal heat, restlessness or thirst. Read the full definition
Yang (阳 Yáng)
Yang corresponds to warmth, movement, transformation and vital drive. When insufficient, a person may feel cold, fatigued, experience slow digestion and lack dynamism. Read the full definition
Blood (血 Xuè)
Blood nourishes tissues, supports the Shen spirit and participates in emotional grounding. In TCM it depends heavily on the quality of digestion and the Spleen’s capacity to transform food. Read the full definition
Jing (精 Jīng)
Jing denotes the deep essence, inherited and acquired, linked to growth, fertility, ageing and foundational vitality. It is closely associated with the Kidney. Read the full definition
Shen (神 Shén)
Shen denotes the spirit, consciousness, mental clarity and quality of presence. It resides in the Heart and depends on sufficient Blood and overall Qi balance. Read the full definition
Wei Qi (卫气 Wèi Qì)
Wei Qi is the defensive Qi that circulates on the surface to protect the body from external factors such as Wind, Cold or Heat. It depends notably on the Lung, Spleen and Kidney. Read the full definition
Ying Qi (营气 Yíng Qì)
Ying Qi is the nutritive Qi, deeper than Wei Qi. It circulates with Blood in the vessels and participates in nourishing the organs, tissues and spirit. Read the full definition
Zong Qi (宗气 Zōng Qì)
Zong Qi, or chest Qi, results from the meeting of air inhaled by the Lung and energy extracted from food by the Spleen and Stomach. It supports respiration and circulation. Read the full definition
Acquired Essence
Acquired essence comes from food, respiration and lifestyle. It complements inherited essence and shows why Chinese dietary therapy occupies a central place in maintaining vitality. Read the full definition
Zang-Fu Organs
Spleen (脾 Pí)
The Spleen governs the transformation of food and the transport of nutrients. It produces Qi and Blood, holds tissues in place and plays a central role in fatigue, bloating and Dampness. Read the full definition
Stomach (胃 Wèi)
The Stomach receives food, ripens it and prepares it for transformation by the Spleen. It likes moderate moisture and fears dryness, excess heat and irregular meals. Read the full definition
Liver (肝 Gān)
The Liver ensures the free flow of Qi, stores Blood and influences emotions, tendons, the menstrual cycle and digestion. Its stagnation is common during periods of stress. Read the full definition
Gall Bladder (胆 Dǎn)
The Gall Bladder participates in decision-making, courage and bile circulation. In Chinese dietary therapy it is often involved in Heat-Dampness patterns or lateral tension. Read the full definition
Heart (心 Xīn)
The Heart governs Blood and houses the Shen. Its balance influences sleep, mental clarity, joy, speech and the quality of inner presence. Read the full definition
Small Intestine (小肠 Xiǎo Cháng)
The Small Intestine separates the clear from the turbid - that which can be assimilated from that which must be eliminated. It also carries a symbolic dimension of discernment. Read the full definition
Lung (肺 Fèi)
The Lung governs Qi, respiration, the skin and the diffusion of fluids. It participates in surface immunity and maintains a close relationship with grief and letting go. Read the full definition
Large Intestine (大肠 Dà Cháng)
The Large Intestine eliminates waste and participates in regulating intestinal moisture. In TCM it works in close connection with the Lung, notably for the skin and elimination. Read the full definition
Kidney (肾 Shèn)
The Kidney stores Jing, governs growth, reproduction, bones, marrow and deep vitality. It supports both the Yin and Yang of the organism. Read the full definition
Bladder (膀胱 Páng Guāng)
The Bladder transforms and excretes fluids under the influence of Kidney Qi. Its meridian is also major for back pain, nervous system regulation and posterior tension. Read the full definition
Five Elements
Wood (木 Mù)
Wood corresponds to spring, the Liver, the Gall Bladder, the movement of expansion and the capacity to plan. It may become unbalanced through stagnation, tension or irritability. Read the full definition
Fire (火 Huǒ)
Fire is associated with summer, the Heart, joy, consciousness and warmth. In excess it may cause restlessness, insomnia, thirst, redness or mental acceleration. Read the full definition
Earth (土 Tǔ)
Earth corresponds to the Spleen and Stomach. It represents digestion, transformation, stability, nourishment and the capacity to assimilate both food and experience. Read the full definition
Metal (金 Jīn)
Metal corresponds to the Lung and Large Intestine. It is linked to respiration, the skin, immunity, autumn and the capacity to sort, receive and release. Read the full definition
Water (水 Shuǐ)
Water corresponds to the Kidney and Bladder. It represents depth, reserves, willpower, bones, fertility, fear and the capacity to conserve vital energy. Read the full definition
Major Syndromes
Qi Deficiency (气虚 Qì Xū)
Qi Deficiency corresponds to an insufficiency of functional energy. It often manifests as fatigue, breathlessness, spontaneous sweating, weak digestion and a tendency to infections. Read the full definition
Yin Deficiency (阴虚 Yīn Xū)
Yin Deficiency indicates a lack of fluids, coolness and nourishing substance. It may produce evening heat, dry mouth, insomnia, restlessness and a sensation of internal heat. Read the full definition
Yang Deficiency (阳虚 Yáng Xū)
Yang Deficiency is an insufficiency of warmth and transformative capacity. It manifests as cold intolerance, profound fatigue, loose stools, oedema or pain improved by warmth. Read the full definition
Qi Stagnation (气滞 Qì Zhì)
Qi Stagnation denotes a blockage in the circulation of energy. It is often linked to stress, repressed emotions, digestive tension, wandering pain and frequent sighing. Read the full definition
Blood Stasis (血瘀 Xuè Yū)
Blood Stasis indicates slowed or blocked blood circulation. It manifests as fixed pain, dull complexion, menstrual clots, masses or purplish signs. Read the full definition
Dampness (湿 Shī)
Dampness is a heavy, sticky and slowing pathogenic factor. It may cause heaviness, fatigue, oedema, loose stools, thick coatings, mental fog and a sensation of a heavy body. Read the full definition
Heat (热 Rè)
Heat denotes excessive, inflammatory or agitated activity. It may appear as thirst, redness, constipation, irritability, dark urine, restlessness or a sensation of warmth. Read the full definition
Cold (寒 Hán)
Cold slows, contracts and blocks the circulation of Qi and Blood. It may cause pain improved by warmth, cold intolerance, loose stools and slow digestion. Read the full definition
Spleen Deficiency (脾虚 Pí Xū)
Spleen Deficiency is one of the most common digestive syndromes. It combines fatigue, bloating, loose stools, poor appetite, heaviness and the production of Dampness. Read the full definition
Kidney Deficiency (肾虚 Shèn Xū)
Kidney Deficiency concerns the deep reserves of the organism. It may affect Yin, Yang or Jing, with chronic fatigue, lower back pain, urinary disorders, reduced fertility or premature ageing. Read the full definition
Meridians and Points
Meridian (经脉 Jīng Mài)
A meridian is an energetic pathway linking organs, tissues, the body surface and acupuncture points. It helps us understand pain, food tropisms and certain clinical correspondences. Read the full definition
Acupuncture Point (穴位 Xué Wèi)
An acupuncture point is a precise zone located on a meridian or off-meridian. It allows us to influence the circulation of Qi, Blood, fluids and organ functions. Read the full definition
Ren Mai (任脉 Rèn Mài)
The Ren Mai, or Conception Vessel, circulates along the anterior midline of the body. It nourishes Yin, supports reproduction, the uterus, fluids and deep functions. Read the full definition
Du Mai (督脉 Dū Mài)
The Du Mai, or Governor Vessel, circulates along the posterior midline. It supports Yang, the spine, the brain, vitality and the capacity to stand upright. Read the full definition
Extraordinary Meridians (奇经八脉 Qí Jīng Bā Mài)
The extraordinary meridians are deep energy reservoirs that regulate the great balances of the body. They are linked to Jing, development, reproduction and life cycles. Read the full definition
Chinese Dietary Therapy Concepts
Thermal Nature (四气 Sì Qì)
Thermal nature describes the hot, warm, neutral, cool or cold effect of a food on the organism. It guides food choice according to terrain, season and syndrome. Read the full definition
Flavour of Foods (五味 Wǔ Wèi)
The five flavours - sour, bitter, sweet, pungent and salty - orient the energetic action of foods. They influence the organs, the movement of Qi and therapeutic effects. Read the full definition
Tropism (归经 Guī Jīng)
Tropism indicates the meridians or organs towards which a food primarily directs its action. It allows us to choose a food not only for its nature but also for its energetic target. Read the full definition
Hot Foods
Hot foods warm the organism, activate Yang and disperse Cold. They are useful in patterns of cold intolerance, slow digestion or pain improved by warmth. Read the full definition
Cold Foods
Cold foods clear Heat, cool and may calm agitation. They should be used cautiously in people who are cold-intolerant, fatigued or in Spleen Deficiency. Read the full definition
Tonify (补 Bǔ)
To tonify means to strengthen an insufficient function: Qi, Blood, Yin, Yang or Jing. In Chinese dietary therapy this is achieved through suitable, regular and easily assimilated foods. Read the full definition
Dispel (散 Sàn)
To dispel means to disperse a pathogenic factor or unblock an accumulation. One may dispel Cold, Heat, Dampness, Phlegm or certain stagnations according to context. Read the full definition
Nourish Yin (滋阴 Zī Yīn)
Nourishing Yin means restoring fluids, coolness and bodily substance. This concerns dryness, evening heat, insomnia or deep exhaustion. Read the full definition
Warm Yang (温阳 Wēn Yáng)
Warming Yang aims to support internal warmth and transformative capacity. Warm foods, long cooking and gentle spices may contribute. Read the full definition
Harmonise (调和 Tiáo Hé)
To harmonise means to re-establish a balanced relationship between organs, flavours, movements of Qi and digestive functions. This is an essential logic in Chinese dietary prescriptions. Read the full definition
Frequently Asked Questions about the TCM Glossary
Which term should I start with when discovering TCM?
It is best to begin with Qi, Yin, Yang, Blood, Spleen and Stomach. These notions explain much of the reasoning used in Chinese dietary therapy.
Why are Chinese characters and pinyin indicated?
Chinese characters and pinyin allow each notion to be linked to its classical source. They also avoid confusion between sometimes approximate French translations.
Does this glossary replace a diagnosis?
No. It is a tool for understanding and education. A complete TCM diagnosis relies on observation, questioning, tongue, pulse and terrain analysis.
How do I use this glossary with Yin Shi food profiles?
Each food profile can be linked to these notions: thermal nature, flavour, tropism, tonifying or dispersing action. The glossary helps understand why a food is recommended in a given context.
Conclusion
This TCM glossary constitutes a structured entry point to the essential concepts of Traditional Chinese Medicine. It helps us better understand food profiles, syndromes, therapeutic reasoning and dietary choices offered within the Yin Shi universe.
The page will be enriched progressively: each term will link to a detailed definition, then to practical articles, food examples and more complete protocols.