Qi Transformation is the foundation of human physiology.

Qi is the force that moves all processes within and outside the body. Depending on its degree of condensation or dispersal, it acquires different forms or manifestations. Its constant is movement and when this movement ceases, disease appears.

Qi moves, is transported, transformed, condenses or disperses, enters, exits, ascends or descends. We call this Qi Transformation and thanks to it the human being has thousands of physiological processes that organize the miracle of life.

Qi in its Yin state forms the body and in its Yang state gives movement and change to the body. The Theory of Yin Yang applied to Qi is the basis of physiology.

Qi transformation and correct direction in Qi movement are the root of:

• The correct flow of Blood.
• That Essence is transformed and enriched.
• That Body Fluids are transported, transformed and excreted.
• Digestion, absorption of food and subsequent excretion of waste.
• That bones, tendons and skin are moist.
• That there is good resistance to pathogenic factors.

Yuan Qi is considered the Driving Force for Qi Transformation to take place.

• It arises from the space between both Kidneys and is closely linked to Jing.
• It is the Force that moves and directs every physiological process and Qi Transformation in all parts of the body.
• The Triple Burner Channel allows Yuan Qi to move through the Three Burners and thus reach all organs.

Ming Men provides the heat for Qi Transformation.

• It is the root of Jing and Blood.
• Together with Spleen and Stomach, which are the root of food and fluids, both together are the root of the Internal Organs.
• It is the Root of Pre-Heaven Qi and the source of Post-Heaven Qi and the foundation of Yuan Qi.

Dynamics and Transformation of Qi

There are three axes that balance the dynamics of Qi movement and transformation.

• Central Axis. Formed by Stomach and Spleen.
• Equilibrium Axis. Formed by Liver and Lung.
• Root Axis. Formed by Heart and Kidneys.

San Jiao or Triple Burner

One of the most important functions of San Jiao or Triple Burner is to keep the passages open.

• That all "types" of Qi flow smoothly and that waste is excreted correctly.
• The movements of entry, exit, ascent and descent are carried out in the San Jiao.
• If the functions of San Jiao are not performed adequately the Qi, Blood and Body Fluids will not circulate adequately.

In the Upper Burner the heart and lungs distribute Qi through the skin and muscles, this diffusion is in charge of Lung Qi.

• Defensive Qi moves outward, toward the skin.
• The upward movement is in charge of the Lung that diffuses fluids and at the same time descends toward Kidney and Bladder.

In the Middle Burner Stomach and Spleen are in charge of the digestion, transformation and transportation of food.

• Food Qi ascends from Spleen to Lung and Heart.
• Gathering Qi moves thanks to the Middle Burner in the appropriate directions.
• The Stomach descends the impure products of the first separation toward the Intestines.

The Bladder, Kidney, Intestines and Liver are involved in the Lower Burner.

• The transformation, transportation and excretion of waste and fluids is carried out in the Lower Burner.
• Here the movements of descent and exit are carried out.

Pathology of Transformation

An incorrect direction in an organ's Qi Ji will bring about problems in Qi Transformations.

Liver and Lung

Liver Qi ascends and Lung Qi descends.

• If Liver Qi fails to ascend it stagnates in various areas of the body.
• Liver-Qi stagnation can block and prevent the descent of Lung Qi.

Liver-Qi stagnation usually presents with:

• Pain or discomfort in hypochondrium, epigastrium, uterus, abdomen, throat and head.

Failure of Lung Qi to descend manifests with:

• Chest distension, depression, cough, shortness of breath.

If the ascent of Liver Qi rebels and rises excessively it is called Liver-Yang Excess.

• It can cause headaches, migraine and irritability.

Stomach and Spleen

Spleen Qi ascends to Lung and Heart.

• If Spleen does not ascend the pure essences of food to Lung and Heart, Qi and Blood, are weakened in their final transformation.
• Rebellious Spleen Qi manifests with diarrhea.
• A Sinking of Spleen Qi will give rise to organ prolapse since it does not perform its function of ascending.

Stomach Qi should descend toward the Intestines.

• If the impure part of food does not descend it will rebel upward causing acid regurgitation, nausea, hiccup, etc.

Both cases are Rebellious Qi.

• In the case of Spleen-Qi sinking it is called Rebellious Qi due to deficiency.
• In the case of Rebellious Stomach Qi it is called due to excess.

Heart and Kidney

The Fire-Water communication is vital for the body.

If Heart Fire does not descend to warm the Kidneys it is called Heart-Heat and damages Kidney-Yin.

• If Kidney-Yin does not ascend and cool the Heart, the Fire grows more.
• Insomnia, mental restlessness, anxiety.

If Kidney-Yang is insufficient it does not ascend to Heart and edema appears.

The Qi of Kidney and Heart are the basis of the ascent and descent of the body, if this fails it can affect the other organs.