Mechanisms of qi-blood circulation and qi deficiency syndrome in view of blood and interstitial fluid circulation

This study employs a haemodynamic model and reviews clinical research in order to investigate the concept of qi, and in particular its relationship with the circulation of blood and interstitial fluid. The authors conclude that the syndrome of qi deficiency is caused by imbalances of substance exchange between blood and interstitial fluid, which leads to an increase in interstitial liquid volume and/or a decrease in nutrients and retention of metabolic wastes in the interstitial fluids. [Aug 2013]