How Yi and Jin Are Produced in the Body: A TCM Guide to Mental Strength, Clarity, and Inner Will
- Dr. Guadalupe Vanderhorst Rodriguez
- 7 days ago
- 6 min read
In today’s fast-paced world, many people struggle with two major challenges: mental clarity and inner motivation. We find ourselves forgetting simple things, losing focus easily, or lacking the willpower to follow through with our goals. Yet more than 2,000 years ago, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) already understood the root of these issues.
TCM teaches that the mind is not located only in the brain. Instead, mental and emotional functions arise from the Five Shen—the five expressions of consciousness stored within the organs. Two of these aspects, Yi and Jin (also called Zhi), govern how we think, how we make decisions, and how we act in the world.
But how are Yi and Jin actually produced in the body? What makes clarity rise or determination fall? Today you will learn the fundamental principles that connect your organs, your energy, and your emotional resilience.
What Are Yi and Jin in Traditional Chinese Medicine?
Before exploring how they are produced, it’s important to understand what they represent.
Yi (意)
Originates from the Spleen (Earth Element)
Represents intent, thought, focus, memory, and clarity
Governs study, concentration, and decision-making
Jin / Zhi (志)
Originates from the Kidneys (Water Element)
Represents willpower, determination, courage, and perseverance
Governs long-term goals, resilience, and the ability to overcome fear
Together, these two aspects guide your ability to think clearly and take action with purpose.
How Yi Is Produced in the Body
Yi comes from Spleen Qi, Spleen Blood, and the communication between the Spleen and Heart.
In TCM, the Spleen is responsible for transforming the food you eat into Qi and Blood. It is not only a digestive organ—it is the foundation of thought and intention.
When the Spleen is strong, your mind becomes stable and grounded. When the Spleen is weak, your thoughts scatter like sand.
1. Spleen Qi Generates Yi
The Spleen’s main task is to extract clear energy from food and send it upward to the Heart and the mind. This clear energy—called Qing Qi (Clear Qi)—is what nourishes Yi.
When Spleen Qi is strong:
You think clearly
You remember details
You make decisions easily
You stay focused
When Spleen Qi is weak:
You overthink
You worry excessively
You feel mentally tired
You experience brain fog
This is why good digestion = good thinking in TCM.
2. Spleen Blood Nourishes the Mind
Healthy digestion produces high-quality Blood. That Blood nourishes the Heart, which houses the Shen (Spirit). Yi relies on both the Spleen and the Heart to perform well.
If Spleen Blood is insufficient, you may experience:
Forgetfulness
Poor concentration
Anxiety or worry
Trouble studying or learning
Blood is the substance that anchors the mind. Without it, Yi cannot function properly.
3. The Heart–Spleen Relationship Creates Clear Thought
TCM teaches:
The Heart houses the Shen (Spirit), while the Spleen houses Yi (Intention). The Heart gives you consciousness. The Spleen gives you focus.
Together, they allow you to:
Think clearly
Make thoughtful decisions
Stay emotionally centered
Focus without becoming overwhelmed
When there is harmony between the two organs, Yi is strong and intention becomes effortless.
How Jin (Zhi) Is Produced in the Body
Jin originates from Kidney Jing, Kidney Qi, and the balance of Kidney Yin and Yang.
Where Yi comes from thinking and nourishment, Jin comes from depth, roots, and inner strength.
Jin (Zhi) is the aspect of consciousness that gives you:
Courage to face challenges
Motivation to begin
Willpower to continue
Determination to finish
This is the “backbone” of the mind.
1. Kidney Jing (Essence) Creates Jin
Jing is your deepest essence—the energy you inherit from your parents at conception. It is the foundation of:
Growth
Development
Hormonal balance
Longevity
Mental resilience
When Jing is abundant, Jin is powerful. You feel:
Driven
Courageous
Emotionally steady
Resilient under pressure
When Jing is deficient:
Motivation collapses
Fear increases
Fatigue becomes chronic
Confidence decreases
This is why TCM says: “Jing is the root of willpower.”
2. Kidney Yin and Kidney Yang Support Jin
Jin arises from the combination of:
Kidney Yin, which nourishes the brain and deep memory
Kidney Yang, which provides drive and action
Yin is the still water of the mind.Yang is the spark of courage.
A balance of Yin and Yang produces a mind that is:
Brave
Determined
Emotionally balanced
Capable of long-term focus
3. Kidney Qi Activates Willpower
Kidney Qi is the active force that helps you:
Wake up energized
Follow through with tasks
Stay consistent
Move past fear
When Kidney Qi is weak, people often say:
“I want to change, but I can’t.”
“I’m too tired to start.”
“Everything feels overwhelming.”
These are classic signs of Jin deficiency.
4. The Brain (“Sea of Marrow”) Is Nourished by the Kidneys
In TCM, the brain is called the Sea of Marrow, and it is filled by Kidney Jing. When the brain is well-nourished:
Thoughts are clear
Memory is strong
Willpower is consistent
Decisions feel natural
When the brain is undernourished:
Confusion increases
Motivation decreases
Fear becomes more dominant
This is why the Kidneys are considered the root of mental endurance.
What Weakens Yi and Jin?
Understanding how they are produced also helps us understand what damages them.
Yi (Spleen) is weakened by:
Excessive worry
Sugar and processed foods
Overthinking
Skipping meals
Cold or raw food
Lack of routine
Mental burnout
Jin (Kidneys) is weakened by:
Chronic fear
Trauma
Exhaustion
Overwork
Poor sleep
Long-term stress
Aging
Excessive sexual activity
Your lifestyle either nourishes or drains your mental capacity.
How to Strengthen Yi and Jin Naturally
To Strengthen Yi (Spleen):
Eat warm, cooked meals
Establish stable daily routines
Practice grounding Qi Gong
Keep your mind organized with journaling
Use acupressure on SP6, ST36, and SP3
Rest your mind between tasks
To Strengthen Jin/Zhi (Kidneys):
Get deep, restorative sleep
Practice slow breathing
Eat Kidney-nourishing foods (black beans, walnuts, bone broth)
Use acupressure on KI3, BL23, KI1
Practice Tai Chi or gentle movement
Reduce chronic stress
Every supportive lifestyle choice becomes nourishment for your mind.
Final Thoughts: Yi and Jin Create Your Inner Compass
Yi gives you clarity, intention, and the ability to think clearly. Jin gives you courage, determination, and the willpower to take action.
When both are strong:
Your mind becomes clear
Your decisions become purposeful
Your goals become achievable
Your emotional state becomes stable
By nourishing the Spleen and Kidneys, you nourish your inner world. Healing the body heals the mind—and healing the mind strengthens the body.
Additional Resources to Deepen Your Understanding
If you are inspired to learn more about how Traditional Chinese Medicine supports emotional balance, clarity of thought, and inner willpower, these resources will guide you further on your healing journey.
Books & Educational Guides
Strengthen your knowledge with these foundational and advanced guides:
Introduction to Acupuncture: An Overview of Traditional Healing A clear, beginner-friendly guide written by Dr. Guadalupe Vanderhorst Rodriguez explaining the mind–body connection, key acupressure techniques, and how acupuncture restores emotional and physical balance.
Heal From Within: Unlock the Power of Your Body, Mind, and Spirit Explore the deeper layers of the Shen, the organ systems, and the energetic patterns that influence your daily mental wellbeing.
The 365 Acupressure Wellness Planner (Digital Edition) A year-long guided journey that teaches you daily acupressure points, healing affirmations, and reflective exercises to strengthen Yi, Jin, and emotional resilience.
Luxury Longevity: Ancient Acupuncture & Modern Biohacking for Women A high-end integrative wellness blueprint for women who want to age gracefully with strength, clarity, and vitality.
Podcasts & Audio Practices
Listen, learn, and heal on the go:
Take Charge of Your Health Podcast Weekly episodes exploring Indigenous wisdom, emotional health, the Shen, breathwork, and practical tools to strengthen focus, motivation, and holistic health.
Take the Lead in Your Healing Journey – Audio Series Guided meditations and reflective lessons created to help you connect with Yi (intent), Jin (willpower), and the inner voice that guides your healing.
About the Author:
Dr. Guadalupe Vanderhorst Rodriguez, D.Ac, L.Ac, is a licensed Acupuncturist, author, and holistic wellness expert dedicated to helping individuals reclaim their health through ancient wisdom and modern integrative healing. With decades of experience in Traditional Chinese Medicine, Dr. Rodriguez blends acupuncture, acupressure, Qi Gong, and mind–body practices to teach others how to create daily habits that support lasting emotional and physical balance.
Her mission is rooted in empowerment. Through her practice at Kicotan Acupuncture, her online courses, wellness videos, and her deeply healing membership community—The Kicotan Healing Circle—she guides individuals to strengthen their inner clarity, reconnect with their body’s wisdom, and take charge of their own wellbeing.
As an Indigenous healer and educator, Dr. Rodriguez weaves cultural knowledge, spiritual insight, and clinical expertise to create meaningful, transformative learning experiences for her readers and patients. Her writing reflects her passion for teaching others how to live with intention, balance, and resilience.
When she is not writing or teaching, Dr. Rodriguez continues her work through Book Serenity, Northern New York Reiki Association, and her growing library of holistic health resources designed to inspire healing, growth, and self-discovery.
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