“Qi” in Traditional Chinese Medicine

“Qi” in Traditional Chinese Medicine

In Chinese culture, “Qi ( 氣 ) “ ( pronounced as chee ) is believed to be a vital force in the universe and forming part of any living entity. In traditional Chinese medicine and Chinese martial arts, Qi can be interpreted as the flow of energy within body.

Functions of Qi

In summary, there are 4 functions of Qi in the maintenance of heatlh

1.     Promoting function

Qi provides the active vital energy necessary for the growth and development of the human body and to perform the functions of the organs, meridians and tissues. Qi also promotes the formation and circulation of blood and body fluid.

2.     Warming function

Qi warms up the body and maintains the body temperature for the smooth functioning of our body cells and organs.

3.     Protection against disease ( "evil" )

In TCM, invasion of evils ( wind, summer heat, dampness, cold and fire) is main cause of disease.  Qi protects our body against these evils.(similar to the functioning of immune system).

4.  Consolidation and retention function

Qi consolidates and retains the body’s substances and organs by holding everything in the proper place.

For example, Qi keeps the blood flowing within blood vessels and controls the secretion of sweat.

Qi also keeps the organs in the right place and stops them from descending into a position where they cannot function properly

5.     Vaporization or “transformation” functions.

Qi may “vaporize” substances in the body and transform them into essence or energy. For example, food are changed into different types of qi and blood. Food and waste are also transformed into urine and stools.

TYPES OF QI

1.     Inborn Qi  is the most original type in the body. It is inherited from parents, mainly stored and originates in the kidney and travel to the entire body.

2.     Pectoral Qi is stored in the chest. It is formed by combining fresh air inhaled by the lungs and food essence derived from the spleen and stomach.

3.     Nutritive Qi supplies nourishment to the body.  Nutritive Qi mainly comes from food essence derived by the spleen and stomach and circulates through the blood vessels to the whole body.

4.     Protective Qi protects the body against evils and sickness, act like the immune system .

What affects Qi and how it is corrected ?

The quality, quantity, and balance of Qi in the body can be affected by many things, including climate conditions, emotional upsets, poor nutrition, stress, physical trauma, excessive activity, heredity, and infectious organisms could disrupt the state of harmony. When the disruption to the flow of Qi is prolonged or the body is in a weakened state, then disease is able to set in.

Qi deficiencies (i.e. poor health) can be corrected by eating the right food, herbs and Chinese medicines, acupuncture, massage, or doing meditation and physical exercise like qi-gong.

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