TCM Basics 101: What is Qi

Frequently interpreted as 'energy' or 'vital energy,' qi can be likened to the notion of matter as described by Plato and Aristotle, which serves as the fundamental substance from which all entities are formed. Other comparable concepts include pneuma in Stoic philosophy, prana in Hinduism, and ruah in the Hebrew tradition.

Qi is an integral part of Chinese culture, influencing various aspects of life including food, health, medicine, as well as feng shui, geomancy, and cosmogony.

Qi embodies a dual nature; it is straightforward in application yet intricate in its theoretical underpinnings. A concise interpretation of Qi can be understood as a form of bioenergy, specifically the energy associated with the biological processes of life. This perspective aligns with the practical understanding held by ancient philosophers:

Human beings are born by the accumulation of Qi. When Qi accumulates there is life, when it dissipates, there is death. There is one Qi that connects and pervades everything in the world. (Zhuangzi 22:11/84)

Traditional Chinese Medicine and Qi

In ancient Chinese philosophy and traditional Chinese medicine, illness is frequently understood as a disruption in the body’s qi or as a blockage in the smooth circulation of qi through pathways known as meridians, which parallels the contemporary understanding that illness results from a disturbance in the body's homeostasis.

The operating principle of Yin-Yang balancing regulates the Qi dynamics, which restrains Qi that is excessive and invigorates Qi that is deficient. In other words, Qi nurturing operationally serves as a homeostatic control in physiology that enhances Qi harmony, thus Wellness.

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Different Kinds of Qi in Traditional Chinese Medicine

Qi takes on many forms, depending on its functional and regulatory roles, location, meridian or organ, such as Blood-Qi, Spleen-Qi, Lung-Qi, and so on.

Yuan Qi 元气

According to traditional Qi theory, individuals are endowed at birth with a reserve of Original Qi (Yuan Qi 元气), also referred to as Prenatal Qi. This theory suggests that Yuan Qi exists as an inherent essence (Jing) or energy that initiates life within the embryo. This genetic inheritance is limited in quantity. Yuan Qi, which is stored in the Kidneys, cannot be replenished; however, it can be conserved through careful management of its usage. As one ages, this supply diminishes, leading to a gradual decline in bodily functions and strength, ultimately resulting in the cessation of life when it is fully depleted.

Zhen Qi 真气

The Qi energy that we continuously utilize is generated by the body and is known as Postnatal Qi, distinguishing it from the inherited Prenatal Yuan Qi. The availability of Qi is restored through the conversion of various forms of Qi from a fundamental type known as True Qi or Zhen Qi (真气). Therefore, the body's energy generation primarily revolves around the synthesis of Zhen Qi.

Food Qi 谷气, Air Qi, Zong Qi (宗气)

The production of Zhen Qi involves three primary sources of Qi-essences: 1) Gu-Qi 谷气, or Food-Qi, which is derived from the essence of ingested food; 2) Air-Qi, which is the essence obtained from natural air; and 3) Yuan Qi, which originates from the reservoir of Prenatal Qi.

Air-Qi essence in the lungs comes from the air we breathe. The production of Gu-Qi is a process of transforming ingested food by the action of Spleen Qi to refine food essence and then to Gu-Qi.

Air-Qi and Gu-Qi combine to transform to Zong-Qi ( 宗气). Yuan Qi enters next in the last step of the production process, promoting and transforming the Pectoral Qi to the final state of Zhen Qi.

Nutritive Qi 营气 and Defensive Qi 卫气

Zhen Qi manifests in various functional forms, primarily categorized into two types: Nutritive Qi (Ying Qi 营气) and Defensive Qi (Wei Qi 卫气). Nutritive Qi is essential for the growth, development, and maintenance of the body, providing the necessary Qi energy for various functions, transportation, and movement. As Blood-Qi, Nutritive Qi nourishes the entire body. In contrast, Defensive Qi serves to protect the body from harmful pathogens.

Claims of Qi to be Pseudoscience

The term pseudoscience refers to beliefs or practices that cannot be tested and potentially disproven by the scientific method (i.e., beliefs and practices that are “unfalsifiable”).

There are claims that Qi is pseudoscientific and also claims that the existence of qi may be tested by scientific instruments, where qi is measured indirectly as electromagnetic energy.

Nevertheless, the prevailing opinion among scientists, particularly those from Western backgrounds, is that qi does not constitute a concept acknowledged by contemporary physics, nor is it a stable entity that can be directly pursued in experimental settings, thus categorizing it as pseudoscientific.

The term pseudoscience, which carries a negative connotation, may lead many to perceive qi as nonexistent, as it does not conform to what is currently regarded as the highest standard of knowledge—empirical science. This often suggests that (1) reality is primarily material (or physical) and (2) genuine entities should be identifiable through the scientific method. Consequently, this may cause some individuals to question the health benefits of acupuncture, tai chi and qigong, even as medical research reveals and validates these advantages. Many may find it challenging to reconcile this seemingly antiquated notion while advocating for these ancient practices.

In summary, when examined through the lens of the philosophical framework of idealism, qi cannot be deemed as nonexistent. Science’s inability to verify qi’s existence does not affirm its nonexistence. Also, even if qi is regarded as pseudoscientific or illusory, its concept continues to be valuable and essential for practitioners in holistic medicines and in wellness.

Qi as a Manifestation of Self-Cultivation

A central Traditional Chinese Medicine classic The Yellow Emperor's Inner Canon teaches that ‘It is from, calm, indifference, emptiness, and non-desiring that true qi arises. If the spirit is harboured inside, whence can illness arise? When the will is at rest and wishes little, when the heart is at peace and fears nothing, when the body labours but does not tire, then qi flows smoothly from these states, each part follows its desires, and the whole gets everything it seeks’.

Humans are a part of the cosmic mosaic, moving within the realms of ever fluid nature. In this pre-modern Chinese conceptualization, the more in harmony one is with him or herself and the mind calm, the more potent will be the Qi of that person. Equanimity and calm make for potency of the Qi. Human efficacy, efficiency and excellence are improved when an individual maintains focus, free from distractions and unproductive thoughts as the Chinese philosopher, Mencius (372–289 BC) described Qi in terms of moral energy.

 

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Conclusion

Currently, qi cannot be tested or disproven through the scientific method, which results in its exclusion from scientific investigation and has led to its criticism as being 'pseudoscientific.' However it is important to note that the failure of science to affirm the existence of qi does not necessarily negate its existence.

Although qi may be considered pseudoscientific, it is still essential and beneficial for the proper execution of holistic practices such as acupuncture, tai chi and qigong. Qi and associated metaphysical ideas act as a valuable mental framework during these practices, and faith in these concepts can be regarded as an effective approach to attaining health objectives.

Basics of TCM, TCM(Traditional Chin Med), TCM WellnessXiang Jun LimDr (TCM) Xiang Junacupuncture, healing, tcm, western medicine, qi, chi