Unlocking Clarity and Motivation: The Power of Yi and Jin in Traditional Chinese Medicine
- Dr. Guadalupe Vanderhorst Rodriguez
- Nov 20, 2025
- 6 min read
Updated: Nov 28, 2025
In today’s fast-paced world, many of us grapple with two significant challenges: mental clarity and inner motivation. We often forget simple things, lose focus easily, or lack the willpower to follow through on our goals. Yet, more than 2,000 years ago, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) understood the root of these issues.
TCM teaches that the mind is not solely located in the brain. Instead, mental and emotional functions arise from the Five Shen—the five expressions of consciousness stored within our organs. Two of these aspects, Yi and Jin (also called Zhi), govern how we think, make decisions, and act in the world.
But how are Yi and Jin produced in the body? What makes clarity rise or determination fall? Today, I will guide you through the fundamental principles connecting your organs, energy, and emotional resilience.
Understanding Yi and Jin in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Before exploring how they are produced, it’s essential 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 purposeful action.
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 just a digestive organ; it is the foundation of thought and intention.
When the Spleen is strong, your mind becomes stable and grounded. Conversely, 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)—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 equals 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 function 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 that the Heart houses the Shen (Spirit), while the Spleen houses Yi (Intention). The Heart gives you consciousness, and the Spleen provides 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 provides you with:
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, while 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 Yi and Jin are produced helps us identify 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 provides 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 well-being.
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:
D.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 well-being.
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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