What is Qi?
Qi (pronounced chee) is the “vital energy” or “vital life force” within every person. Qi is all manifestations of energy, whether that is material or immaterial. Because it is energy, it is neither created nor destroyed, and is in continuous flux and transformation.
When talking about Qi, the concept of “yin and yang“ are used to understand the manifestations. Yin is Qi that is cold, passive, solid, heavy, descending, moist and dark, the physical side. Yang is Qi that is immaterial, hot, active, dry, rising, and aggressive. In the context of Chinese Medicine, the flow of Qi in the body is used to diagnose conditions. Illness occurs when there is either an excess or deficiency of Qi.
Yin
Structure
Night
Cold
Passive
Solid
Heavy
Moist
Dark
Earth
Moon
Slow
Humid
Ascending
Fluids
Calm
Death
Yang
Function
Day
Hot
Immaterial
Active
Rising
Aggressive
Sky
Sun
Fast
Dry
Descending
Energy
Expressive
Birth
Types of Qi
Parental
The most essential!
Inherited from your parents
Stored in the kidneys
Circulates through the organs, muscles, skin, and meridians
Power for all activities
Pectoral
Stored in the chest
Air combined with energy from the spleen and stomach
Moves outward and inward from breathing
Affects how loud the voice is
Nutritional
Derived from food
Circulates nutrition in the body
Circulates through blood vessels
Yin properties
Defensive
Protects against illness
Protects against environment
Acts like the Immune system
Yang properties
Functions of Qi
What does Qi do?
Transporting
Transports blood
Ascends, descends, exits, and enters the body
From one part of the body to another
Warming
Produces heat
Regulates body temperature
Deficiency: lower body temperature or cold hands and feet
Defending
Defends against environment and disease
Acts like the Immune System
Holding
Holds the organs in place
Prevents leaks
Stores fluids
Deficiency: hemorrhage, frequent urination, stomach or kidney prolapse
Transforming
Transforms food into fuel
Sorts through what can be used and discarded
Produces warmth
