How can the qi described in Donguibogam be explained in modern medicine? I often compare this qi to autonomic nervous system balance and mitochondrial energy production efficiency in our body. Even without conscious awareness, our body continuously carries out vital functions, such as keeping the heart beating, breathing, and digesting. All of this is thanks to the harmonious operation of the autonomic nervous system, which consists of the sympathetic nerve and parasympathetic nerve. Qi deficiency can be viewed as a state where this autonomic nervous system balance is disrupted, specifically where parasympathetic nerve activity is diminished or the sympathetic nerve is excessively elevated.
For instance, the symptom of shortness of breath and fatigue can be associated with decreased efficiency of respiratory muscles or an increased burden on the cardiovascular system. When the parasympathetic nerve fails to function properly, blood vessels do not dilate appropriately, impeding the smooth supply of oxygen and nutrients and leading to reduced lung function that makes adequate oxygen exchange difficult. In addition, the symptom of low and faint voice can be linked to decreased muscle tone throughout the body, including the vocal cord muscles, and a deficiency in neurotransmitters. When the activity of the nervous system declines, the capacity to control fine muscle movements drops, affecting vocalization as well.
The symptom of spontaneous sweating can appear when there is an abnormality in the thermoregulatory center, specifically when a problem develops in the autonomic nervous system function regulating the sweat glands. In particular, when the sympathetic nerve is overly activated, sweating often occurs even in unneeded situations, accelerating energy consumption, triggering electrolyte imbalance, and further deepening feelings of lethargy. The symptom of dizziness and blurred vision is closely related to reduced blood flow volume to the brain. An unstable blood pressure regulation function or anemia may be the cause, which also links back to a reduced capacity of the autonomic nervous system to control vasoconstriction and vasodilation.
Finally, having a pale white complexion suggests microvascular circulatory impairment and the possibility of anemia. When blood circulation is not smooth, sufficient oxygen and nutrients cannot reach the skin, dulling the complexion; this phenomenon can likewise occur when the autonomic nervous system fails to regulate vascular motility properly. Beyond simple fatigue, these symptoms are deeply tied to mitochondrial dysfunction, as mitochondria serve as the energy-producing factories of our body. Chronic over-secretion of cortisol, a stress hormone, lowers mitochondrial efficiency, which in turn leads to cellular energy deficits throughout the entire body, creating a vicious cycle that entrenches qi deficiency. Ultimately, qi deficiency can be described as a comprehensive warning signal indicating reduced efficiency across the entire physical system.
