What is Qi

Qi is sometimes known as Chi or Ki.

Qi is an integral part of Chinese Martial arts, Chinese herbal medicine, Tuina Massage, and Acupuncture.

Firstly you cannot see Qi and the whole concept of Qi is outside standard western thinking. Qi is often translated many different ways depending on the author but they only describe and the meaning of Qi cannot effectively be translated. Common English words used include, vital force, essence,energy, breath, secret power, vital energy, life force.

Part of the reason that this doesn't translate well is that Qi does not just apply to Humans but is a vital force across the universe and this interaction between heaven and earth in the context of a human being is why the concept must be understood rather than simply translated as a word.

Qi Gong helps to regulate the flow of Qi and the different types of Qi within the body. The Chinese have a different view of the internal organs to western medicine and this further complicates the explanation. This concept that Qi nourishes the body and the mind and that stagnation or irregular flowing of Qi causes problems within the body is the principle behind Qi Gong. The movements within Qi gong massage the internal organs and help assists the flow and regulation of Qi around the body.

Qi & Blood

Qi Generates Blood

Food Qi is the basis for blood while lung Qi is essential for the production of blood.. So if Qi is deficient Blood will also eventually be deficient. In Chinese medicine we tonify Qi in order to nourish blood.

Qi moves Blood

Without Qi blood would be an inert substance, Lung Qi infuses the Qi into the blood vessels. One of the old Chinese sayings on the relationship between blood and Qi is " When Qi moves, blood follows. If Qi stagnates, blood congeals".

Qi Holds the Blood

Qi holds blood in the blood vessels preventing hemorrhaging. If spleen Qi is deficient Qi cannot hold blood so hemorrhaging may occur.

Blood nourishes Qi

Qi relies on the blood for nourishment and blood provides the material from preventing Qi floating. " Blood is the mother of Qi"