Many acupuncture patients when first learning about how acupuncture works, will ask, “What is Qi?” Qi, which is pronounced, “Chee”, is elusive to definition. Most will define it as energy, which to our Western minds makes it simple and easy, but Qi is also the motivation and movement in all things. In India, it is called “prana”, in Greek, “pneuma”. Aethyr, which is between all things, the matrix that holds it all together, could also, be aligned with Qi.
What is Qi? - Photo by Stephcarter
In Chinese Medicine, there are very refined theories regarding the various types of Qi, how it is created and what its actions are and of course, all of Chinese Medicine is based on the balance of it within the body.
Chinese Medicine defines three essential substances in the body. They are Jing or essence, Qi and Shen or spirit. Each of these three things gives rise to the blood and body fluids. They are known as the three treasures, as they are the source of life and consciousness in the human being. Jing, or essence, is the fundamental substance we are created out of. “It is the source of organic change” (Kaptchuk, 1983)
There are two basic types of Qi. Congenital Qi is the Qi that is inherited from our parents, our genetics. It is gathered and formed at conception and stores in the kidneys. This type of Qi defines your basic constitution, strength and vitality.
Congenital Qi is a mixture of Jing, which is our essence and Yuan Qi, which is our source. It cannot be restored or replenished. Once you burn this Qi up, it is gone.
Acquired Qi is energy that we get from the world around us. Food, air, exercise, Qi Gong and acupuncture are all ways to obtain Acquired Qi. We can replenish this type of energy and it is best replenished with natural and whole foods, fresh air, clean water and good amounts of sunlight.
Whatever Qi is, or how it works, it is fundamental to acupuncture and the way it functions to bring you relief from the problems and concerns that you may have.
How do you define and relate to Qi? Leave a comment!
Tags: Qi/Spirit