Qi

Qi (also spelled chi or ki in some traditions) is a concept from traditional Chinese culture which refers to a vital force forming part of any living entity. Qi translates literally as "air" and figuratively as "material energy", "life force", or "energy flow".

Concept

In traditional Chinese culture, qi is believed to be a vital force forming part of any living entity. Qi, which is pronounced as "chee", is often translated as "life energy", "life force", or "energy flow". Qi is the central underlying principle in traditional Chinese medicine and martial arts. The practice of cultivating and balancing qi is called qigong.

Philosophical Roots

The philosophical and metaphorical description of qi, particularly the relationship between natural, human, and cosmic phenomena, has been compared with Western notions of energeia and élan vital (vital force), and has been described as a metaphysical concept. The concept of qi is based on the ancient Chinese initial understanding of natural phenomena. That is, qi is the basic substance of the human body, and maintains life activities.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine

In traditional Chinese medicine, the concept of qi is used to explain the principles of holistic health. Theories of traditional Chinese medicine assert that the body has natural patterns of qi that circulate in channels called meridians. Symptoms of various illnesses are often believed to be the product of disrupted, blocked, or unbalanced qi movement through the body's meridians, as well as deficiencies or imbalances of qi in the various Zang Fu organs. Traditional Chinese medicine often seeks to relieve these imbalances by adjusting the circulation of qi using a variety of techniques including herbology, food therapy, physical training regimens (qigong, tai chi chuan, and other martial arts training), moxibustion, tui na, or acupuncture.

See Also

• Chinese martial arts
• Dantian
• Meridian (Chinese medicine)
• Qigong
• Traditional Chinese medicine
• Yin and yang

External Links

• Qi | Chinese philosophy at Britannica.com

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  Oracle script for "Qi"

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  Bronze script for "Qi"

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  Large seal script for "Qi"

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  Small seal script for "Qi"

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  Obsolete form of "Ki"