What Is Qi?

Qi, pronounced “chee,” is a form of bioelectricity considered the life force within and around us. Although it is not usually visible to the naked eye, it can be felt, and its effects can be observed. Different cultures have various terms for this subtle energy, including Qi in Chinese, Ki in Japanese, Prana in India and Tibet, and Nefesh in Israel. It is also referred to as Baraka by Sufis, the Holy Spirit by Christian mystics, Pneuma by the ancient Greeks, and the “vital force” by Hahnemann, the father of homeopathy.

Chiropractors refer to it as “innate intelligence.” The human body comprises a series of interwoven and superimposed energy systems that rely on the correct functioning of the meridians, which are channels within the energy body. These meridians act as a communication network between the mind, physical body, and energy body. Energetically charged fluids are circulated through various systems, such as the lymphatic system, the blood circulatory system, and interstitially. Qi is acquired from the environment through air, food, water, the Sun, warm places, the moon, the Earth, stars, and other sources. It is stored in the abdomen at birth but can be depleted over time if not replenished through Qi Gong exercises.

Meridians

The meridians function as channels through which Qi flows, nourishing and energizing the body like a network of rivers nourishing a landscape. They cannot be located on the operating table because they exist within the energy body. These channels collectively form the matrix in which the physical body operates and serve as a communication network between the mind, the physical body, and the more subtle energy body.

The body has twelve main meridians (Jingluo), each associated with a particular element and organ system. The meridians are typically listed in Yin/Yang pairs:

• Lung (arm-yin) and Large Intestine (arm-yang) – Metal
• Stomach (leg-yang) and Spleen (leg-yin) – Earth
• Heart (arm-yin) and Small Intestine (arm-yang) – Fire
• Bladder (leg-yang) and Kidney (leg-yin) – Water
• Pericardium (arm-yin) and Triple-Warmer (arm-yang) – Fire
• Gallbladder (leg-yang) and Liver (leg-yin) – Wood

Meridian Clock

The concept of the Meridian Clock is an important one in traditional Chinese medicine. Each meridian has two hours during the day when its energy is strongest; this cycle repeats every 24 hours. The Meridian Clock is often used in acupuncture and Qi Gong to determine the optimal times for treatments and exercises, based on which meridian’s energy is strongest at a particular time.

When the flow of Qi is balanced and harmonious, it is believed that the body can maintain optimal health and vitality. However, blockages or imbalances in the flow of Qi can lead to physical or emotional problems. Acupuncture, Qi Gong, and other traditional Chinese medicine practices aim to restore balance to the flow of Qi, often by stimulating specific points along the meridians with needles, pressure, or other techniques.

While much debate and controversy exist around the concept of meridians and Qi, traditional Chinese medicine has been used for thousands of years to promote health and well-being. Many people continue to benefit from these practices today as a complementary therapy alongside Western medicine and as a standalone approach to health and wellness.

Acupuncture Points

Acupuncture points can be stimulated in various ways, such as by inserting fine needles, acupressure, or using heat or electricity. When an acupuncture point is stimulated, it can cause a release of endorphins and other neurotransmitters, leading to pain relief and improved physiological functioning. Acupuncture is commonly used for pain management, but it can also be helpful for a wide range of conditions, such as digestive disorders, respiratory issues, menstrual problems, and emotional imbalances.

In addition to acupuncture, other traditional Chinese medicine modalities can support Qi’s flow and balance of the body, such as herbal medicine, dietary therapy, and Qi Gong exercises. These practices are often combined with acupuncture to provide a comprehensive approach to health and wellness.

The Three Treasures: Jing, Qi, and Shen

In Qi Gong and other oriental healing arts, the terms Jing, Qi, and Shen hold various meanings that depend on context. However, one difficulty in comprehending these concepts is that they cannot be separated as we do in the English language. For instance, the Chinese character for heart, Xin, refers to the entirety of the heart – the physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects. Similarly, the five elements have physical, emotional, and spiritual realms. Although Jing, Qi, and Shen are commonly translated as body, mind, and spirit, respectively, they signify levels of development in both life and practices such as Qi Gong, meditation, yoga, and Kung fu.

At conception, the new being possesses pure Jing, which gradually circulates and animates through the entry of Qi into the embryo. Finally, the Shen part of our being develops much later through good practices and virtues. Hence, as we learn the fundamental movements, with time and effort, we refine our development, and our practice and life move increasingly towards Shen cultivation.

Jing

Jing, a term commonly used in Qi Gong and oriental healing arts, refers to the essence of life responsible for growth, development, and reproduction. It is a combination of sperm and vaginal moisture, organic substances, and ephemeral essence that forms the foundation for physical and mental development. Jing is closely associated with our bones, teeth, hair, and sexual maturity. It helps us transition through different stages of life, such as childhood, puberty, childbearing, maturity, and elderhood.

As a foundation of our being, Jing is deeply affected by external factors such as stress, exhaustion, illness, injury, overwork, poor nutrition, and excessive sexual activity, which can accelerate its depletion. When Jing is depleted, we may notice symptoms such as thinning and graying hair, decreased moisture throughout the body, weakened bones, teeth, connective tissue, and a decline in mental and sensory acuity. To slow down the rate of Jing depletion, practices such as Qi Gong, acupuncture, and the use of certain herbs can be employed.

Qi

Qi can be compared to an electrical current that gives life to our being. It flows through our meridians and organs, acting like hardware, wires, transformers, and power plants. The Qi is amplified, stored, and routed through these channels. Although every living being has Qi, each person has a unique quality and type of Qi. Qi Gong practices aim to improve Qi circulation, flow, storage, and regeneration. The circulation and flow of Qi in our body depend on the type and amount of Qi we inherit from our ancestors, our diet and nutrition, and our overall lifestyle.

Qi Gong practices can transform Qi into healing energy, Jing, and Shen. The ancient character for Qi depicts steam rising from a pot of rice on a fire. Steam and energy will arise if the fire is at the right temperature and proportionate to the rice and water. However, if the fire gets too hot, the water dries up, and not only does the rice burn, but the container eventually breaks as well. Therefore, regulating and balancing the flow and strength of Qi is essential for optimal health.

Shen

In Chinese medicine, the quality of a person’s Shen is primarily observed through the eyes and, to a lesser extent, the skin and hair. When our Shen is healthy, we radiate positivity, and our eyes reflect the state of our soul. In cases of severe mental illness, Shen disturbance is almost always present, which can be identified by the way a person looks out into the world, their gaze, and the level of connection with the eyes of others, often appearing wild. In traditional Chinese Medicine, “phlegm misting the soul” is a diagnostic term used to describe a type of mental imbalance, which can be seen in the cloudiness and turbidity of a person’s eyes. Unlike Jing and Qi, which are inherent in all living beings, Shen must be achieved through higher levels of Tai Ji and Qi Gong practice and a lifestyle integrated with these practices.

Shen is connected to the Ethereal Soul or “hun” and is considered a spirit that is everywhere. It comes to us when we reach a higher level of practice after much perseverance and time. Neglecting our practices, abusing ourselves, or living an unvirtuous life causes the Shen to dissipate. To nurture the Shen, we can engage in activities such as music, dancing, and participation in the arts. The Chinese character for Shen contains a bird symbol, which can fly away when conditions are unfavorable and choose to remain when conditions are favorable. We all have the potential to create the type of environment that the Shen bird is attracted to.

Effects of Qi Gong

Qi Gong exercises efficiently improve bodily fluids, such as blood, lymph, interstitial fluid, synovial fluid, and cerebrospinal fluid. Qi Gong increases the elasticity of the vascular system, reducing the heart’s workload and improving vascular health. This exercise also strengthens the immune system by improving lymph pump and fluid movement. Qi Gong stretching differs from conventional stretching by causing muscle tissue elongation and enhancing muscle performance. The compression and expansion of synovial fluid through Qi Gong also prevent and reverse joint disorders.

Furthermore, Qi Gong enhances the strength of cerebrospinal fluid pumps, increasing the efficiency of nerve flow and physical senses. Practicing Qi Gong can also add strength and elasticity to the tendons, energize the bone marrow, and activate the body’s healing systems. As the body awakens incrementally, Qi Gong practitioners develop physical and mental abilities and effortless concentration. Finally, martial Qi Gong trains critical areas such as power, speed, flexibility, and resilience.