Qi

Qi - What is meant by it?

At the centre of Chinese thinking about nature is the idea of a universal life force, also called life energy - Qi (Chi) in Chinese. According to the teachings of traditional Chinese medicine, qi is the life force of nature inherent in all living things. Qi is life, constantly in motion, flowing, bringing about changes. Every change or stagnation of flowing means a disturbance of the life processes.

Qi - a constantly changing life energy

For the Chinese there is no direct definition of Qi. The constantly flowing and changing life energy. Qi can only be circumscribed and is to be understood from its effects and functions. According to the Chinese, cosmic Qi flows everywhere in nature, e.g. in the wind or in the water of rivers.

Where in the body is the Qi?

In the human body the Qi collects in the organs and flows in paths that are called Jing in Chinese. Jing means "to flow through" or "channel". These "Qi channels" were compared by the Europeans with the meridian system of the earth and therefore called meridians. These meridians, the energy flows of the body, carry the "meridian Qi", the flowing Qi, which circulates mainly in the superficial layers of the body, similar to the bloodstream. In addition, the Qi also flows in an internal organ circuit between the internal organs. These two energy circulations are functionally closely related.

What is the function of Qi in the body?

The life energy Qi performs important functions in the body.  According to the Chinese view, it is the source of movement, not only of voluntary but also of involuntary movement processes of the respiration, blood circulation and intestines. One of the most important functions of qi is also the production of heat in the body. Another important function of qi is the digestion and transformation of food. With the help of qi, the body eliminates toxic waste products and at the same time stores all the important nutrients. 

Is it possible feel the Qi?

According to the teachings of traditional Chinese medicine, Qi can be directly experienced by placing the needles and stimulating them manually during acupuncture. Acupuncture triggers a certain sensation of heaviness, a tingling or a kind of electrification. The Chinese regard these perceptions as an expression of the movement of Qi. The Qi Gong called breathing and meditation exercises should also make it possible to feel the Qi, either as a flow in the body or as a kind of charge in the hands.

Similar to the Chinese medicine, the idea of a universal life force, which is absorbed through the breath, produces functions in the body and can be influenced by breathing exercises, has existed in Indian medicine for over two thousand years. Indian Yoga is based on this idea.