Herbal Systems Energetics

Energetics:

Yin/Pull- substance, rest, cooling, material/structure

Yang/Push+ movement, warmth, activity, function

Qi/Neutral -/+ function, movement, energy

Flavors: Direction and Function

Sweet- Builds/tonifies qi, blood, yin, harmonizing

Bitter- Drains, dries, directs downward

Pungent/Acrid- Moves, disperses, releases

Sour- Holds, astringes, contains, stabilizes

Salty- Softens, descends, moistens

Umami/Savory- Deep sweet and salty, tonify, descending, speeds up

Temperature: Speed and Thermal Effect

Hot/Warm- Speeds up, increase circulation, support yang, dries damp, disperses cold

Neutral- Safe long term, harmonizing, non forcing

Cold/Cool- Slows down, clears heat, calms inflammation, slows metabolism

Organs: The Systems of Energy Flow

Blood- Nourishment, grounding, stability

Fluids- Lubrication, moisture

Spleen- Digestion, energy production, fluid metabolism

Liver- Flow, emotion, movement, tension vs relaxation

Heart- Circulation, mind/shen, emotional clarity

Kidney- Reserves, growth, aging, stress, resilience