What is Qi?
Qi is often talked about- but what is it exactly?
The definition of Qi moves far beyond the English language and has a long and rich cultural understanding attached to it. This word is widely used nowadays but is very specific to Chinese culture, philosophy, art, and especially medicine. Qi is matter and energy, material and immaterial, process, function, movement, and circulation, it is that which makes up all phenomena in the universe and is the most fundamental substance comprising human beings. So it is vast and minute at the same time.
It is important to know that there are many types and functions of Qi, hence the broad and often seemingly vague definition. It is best defined when it is looked at by a specific system. Some may say that it is one of the most difficult terms to translate from the Chinese language. It is most often used to describe the activities of the body and organs. This article is just an introduction to this vast, complex, and astounding concept and is by no means complete.
In the Introduction of Contemporary Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture, the concept of Qi is introduced by saying, “But what is Qi? In truth, this Chinese word has never yielded to translation. Some call it “breath,” and it has been compared to “prana” and “vital spirit,” but most commonly it is translated as “energy.” This translation often is confusing because Western people tend to think of “energy” as a capacity for vigorous action and as something measurable as in physics. But Qi is much more than these: it is both what makes the body and what makes the body for; it is simultaneously both material and nonmaterial, single and multiple. Indeed, Qi has degrees of materiality, which are given different names in Oriental Medicine, and it also has different locations with different functions depending on location.”
Here we will be talking about Qi and how it manifests within the body from a perspective of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). TCM works to create balance within the body’s Qi, for when it is out of balance, we start to see things like pain, fatigue, anxiety, or disease manifest. Qi is considered one of the body’s vital substances (Qi, Blood, Essence (jing) Body Fluid, Mind/body/spirit (when)), and these vital substances are the material foundation for the physiological function of the zang-fu (Chinese Medicine Organs), tissues and meridians.
“The body and mind are nothing but forms of Qi. At the basis of all is Qi: all the other vital substances are but manifestations of Qi in varying degrees of materiality, ranging from the completely material such as body fluids to the totally immaterial, such as the Shen” (Maciocia 2005). Qi is hard to define, hard to pinpoint because “what it is” is so vast. Basically, Qi is the essential substance of the human body, the vital life force, the body’s ability to heal itself and maintain its vital activities. It is also the functional activities of the Zang-fu Organs and tissues of the body. These activities and substances are often explained by the movement and changes within the state of Qi. Many people translate Qi as energy, but this “represents a basic misconception that is not supported by Chinese ancient sources” (Unschuld, 1985).
I am by no means a well-versed scholar when it comes to the Chinese language, but I feel that it is very important to look deeper at the Chinese characters to better understand their rich and often complex meanings. I feel that Dr. Jay Bulloch explains this very well, “To begin to understand how Qi is used in Chinese medicine, it is important to remember that the character for Qì 氣 is comprised of two radicals. The first one 气 means vapor, steam, gas, or ether, and the second 米 means rice (uncooked). So the character for Qì 氣 can indicate something that is at the same time both material and immaterial. This also indicates that Qì can be as subtle as steam and vapor and as dense and material as rice. It is said that qi manifests simultaneously on the physical and spiritual levels (Maciocia, 1989). When Qi condenses, it accumulates into physical form. When we consider that the origin of the word Qi comes from the pictograph of clouds, we are reminded that Qi is in a constant state of flux and change.”
In this article, we will discuss functions, types, origin, and movement to give you a better understanding of this amazing concept we call Qi. It is important to remember that this “thing” Qi is not separate from us and is used to describe the various processes, functions, and transformations that make up our human physiology.
“Qi is in a constant state of flux and in varying states of aggregation. When Qi condenses, energy transforms and accumulates into physical shape; when Qi is dispersed, it gives rise to more subtle form of matter. Qi is also an energy that manifests simultaneously on the physical and mental-spiritual level. ”
The Functions of Qi
Qi has several different functions that permeate all parts of the body and in TCM theory it is subdivided into several different types of Qi based on these specific functions. The combination of all these functions allows the body to maintain balance and a state of health. When one or more of these functions are off balance we see disease manifest. If we think in terms of Western Biomedicine this is the foundation of the body maintaining homeostasis and laying the groundwork for the physiological processes of the immune system, digestive system, respiratory system, etc.
Transforming- Qi helps to transform our food and drinks into usable material for our cells as well as excrement.
Moving and transporting- Qi helps to move and circulate blood, oxygen, and food throughout our system
Holding, Controlling, Containing- Qi helps to hold organs in place and blood in our vessels.
Protecting- Qi protects us from external pathogens, toxins, and diseases.
Warming- Qi helps keep the body warm and maintains a normal body temperature.
Nourishing- Qi nourishes and helps keep the body vital and strong.
Transforming 氣化作用 - Qì huà zuò yòng
“Qi is always separating clear from turbid”
This function of Qi is the body’s process of changing something from one form to another as well as the various inter-transformations that result from the movements of Qi (Qi Mechanism). This refers to the metabolic processes as well as the transformation and production of essence, Qi, blood, and body fluids. An example of this is the Spleen zang-fu transforms food and water into Food Qi which can be utilized as energy and nutrition to be made into blood, fluids, and essence, meanwhile eliminating the waste from the body.
Moving and Transporting 推動作用 -Tuì dòng zuò yòng
“When Qi moves, Blood moves.”
This function includes two aspects: moving things from one place to another and the movements of Qi up, down, inwards, or outwards. Qi is a vigorous substance that stimulates and promotes growth + development, the functions of organs, tissues, and channels as well as the production and circulation of blood. These ascending and descending, and entering and exiting actions of Qi in the body constitute the Qi Mechanism and are very important to the normal physiological functioning of the body. There are normal and healthy movements of Qi when the body is balanced and healthy as well as abnormal ones when the body is off balance or diseased. The abnormal movements of Qi are often referred to as “counterflow”. Some examples are the Qi of the Lung and Stomach are supposed to move downward and if they do not, there can be cough and vomiting respectively.
Holding, Controlling, Containing 固攝作用 - Gù shè zuò yòng
This function reflects the idea that Qi is responsible for holding everything in its proper place. Qi holds, controls, and contains the various fluids of the body. It holds in substances such as the blood in its vessels, the opening and closing of pores, holds in urine, saliva, and gastrointestinal secretions, as well as controlling the amount of excretion. This function is very important in guarding the body against the loss of fluids. An example of this is that if the Qi of the Bladder is weak it can lead to incontinence or frequent urination. Qi also holds blood in the vessels this is often related to the Spleen and is seen in some ones that bruise easily- this is usually a sign of Spleen Qi deficiency and a failure in its ability to manage Blood.
Protecting 防禦作用- Fáng yù zuò yòng
“If evil (qi) is able to encroach, then it is necessarily because the Qi is deficient.”
This function of Qi refers to defending the body against the invasion of eternal pathogenic influences (EPI) that can cause illness, as well as removing the EPI that has entered the body after a sickness has begun. It also helps to promote recovery. This aspect of Qi that helps to defend the body is called Defensive (Wei) Qi and flows around the exterior of the body and tissues. As all things in TCM are referred to under one another (yin-yang balance) - Wei Qi is in relationship to Nutritive Qi which flows inside the vessels, tissues, and Organs. This Wei Qi is the first line of defense against any EPI and if it is weak or compromised, one may be prone to often getting sick.
Warming 溫煦作用- Wēn xù zuò yòng
A very important function of Qi is to generate heat and warmth within the body and maintain a healthy body temperature. This warmth helps to regulate + promote the functions of the zang-fu, channels, metabolic processes, and circulation of blood and vital fluids. An example of when Qi’s function of warming is weak someone often notices a lack of the sensation of warmth, we call this Qi deficiency and if this is a severe and very noticeable sensation of cold it is often referred to as a more extreme condition called Yang deficiency.
Nourishing 营养气- Yíng yǎng qì
This function of Qi relates to the Nutritive Qi of the body that circulates within the body’s vessels to nourish it in its entirety. An example of this is that the Earth's organs (Spleen/Stomach) transport and transform food and drink and generate Qi from the food essence.
Types of Qi
It is important to remember as I highlight the various types of Qi they are ultimately just one type of Qi manifesting itself in different forms with different functions. There are more than listed below, but these seem most pertinent when it comes to the functioning of the human form.
Yuan Qi (Original Qi)
Zong Qi (Gathering Qi)
Ying Qi (Nutritive Qi)
Wei Qi (Defensive Qi)
Zang Fu Zhi Qi (Organ Qi)
Jing Luo Zhi Qi (Meridian Qi)
Zhen Qi (True Qi)
Zheng Qi (Upright Qi)
Zhong Qi (Central Qi)
Gu Qi (Food Qi)
Yuan Qi (Original Qi/Primal Qi/Source Qi) 元氣- Yuán qì
This Qi is the most foundational and primal Qi in the body which forms one’s basic vitality. It is congenital and is pre-determined during conception and pregnancy, as other types of Qi such as Gathering/ Nutrient/ Defensive are acquired forms of Qi that nourish and supplement the Original Qi. It drives all of the growth and development in one’s system and promotes its proper functioning. It is rooted in the Kidneys, derived from the Kidney essence, and spread to the organs and channels, hence the entire body- via the San Jiao. Its main functions are to promote and stimulate the body’s functional activities and facilitate the transformation and production of blood.
Zong Qi (Pectoral/ Ancestral Qi ) 宗氣- Zōng
This Qi resides in the Chest, known as the “upper Sea of Qi” and is a combination of the air we breathe in and Food Qi. It flows throughout the lungs and all of our breathing passages and is closely related to our speech and the strength of our breath. Its main functions are to nourish the Heart and Lungs, promote respiration and circulation of Qi/blood, regulate speech, the strength of the voice, coldness, and warmth as well as the motor ability of the limbs and trunk. It is closely related to our genetics and lifestyle choices.
Ying Qi (Nutritive Qi) 營氣- Yíng qì
The Nutritive Qi of the body is what moves and circulates within the blood vessels alongside the blood. Blood and Ying Qi are often talked about as separate entities but are inseparable and sometimes texts refer to it as “Nutritive Blood” or “Nutritive Yin”. The Nutritive (Ying Qi) and Defensive (Wei Qi) are yin-yang pairs respectively. This Qi is formed from the essence Qi of the food and fluids and is produced by the SP/ ST, hence the importance of healthy eating choices. It main function is to nourish the body and is transformed to generate blood.
Wei Qi (Defensive Qi) 偉氣- Wèi qì
This is the yang compliment to the type of Qi mentioned above. The Wei Qi circulates outside the vessels and all around the exterior of the body. Its main function is to protect the body against pathogens, and warm and nourish the organs, skin, and surface of the body. It also helps to regulate the opening and closing of the pores. It also helps to regulate body temperature and warm up the organs. It is derived from the Qi of “food essence.” The balance of the Wei and Ying is very important and if out of balance many types of illness can occur.
Zang Fu Zhi Qi (Organ Qi) 臟腑之氣- Zàng fǔ zhī qì
The Organ Qi is specific to the function of the organs. It is the basic substance that comprises the organs and helps to maintain their functional activities.
Jing Luo Zhi Qi (Meridian/Channel Qi) 經氣- Jīng qì
This is the type of Qi within the body that is specifically related to the Qi which flows through the channels/meridians and is sourced from Original Qi. It is the basic substance that comprises the channels and helps to maintain their functional activities.
Zhen Qi (True Qi) 真氣- Zhēn qì
This type of Qi is considered the highest order of Qi and is the last stage of Qi within the Qi transformation within the body. Its two main aspects are the Nutritive and Defensive Qi as discussed above. It is known that when the Clear Qi (derived from the breaths we take) and the Food Qi (derived from the foods we eat) combine with a person’s Original Qi then the True Qi is formed. Thinking about this makes sense as we are a product of the air we breathe and the food we eat, without these basic substances we will die! Makes you think deeply about the quality of breaths you take and the food you eat!
Zheng Qi (Upright/ Vital/Correct/ Healthy Qi)正氣- Zhèng qì
This Qi is often described as a conglomeration of all the various aspects and types of Qi that help to defend the body against external environmental factors, toxins and pathogens. This is the Qi at keeps us healthy! It is similar to the immune system in Western medicine. It is mainly used in conjunction with the strength of the body versus the strength of the pathogen.
Zhong Qi (Middle Qi/Center Qi) 中气- Zhong qì
This very important form of Qi is the Qi of the Spleen and Stomach, the Earth organs, the main organs of digestion located in the middle burner. They are in charge of the “transportation and transformation” of Qi and blood. Its main action is to help lift. An example is holding the Organs in the right place and blood within the vessels. A deficiency in this would be organ prolapse.
Gu Qi (Food Qi) 穀氣- Gǔ qì
Transformed out of the food and fluids we ingest, it then gets further refined into Defensive and Nutritive. This is the first stage of the transformation of food within the body. Food is transformed by the Spleen/Stomach and the impure and pure aspects (also known as the turbid and clear aspects) are separated by the Small Intestine and the impure (turbid) eliminated by the Large Intestine. Part of this is transformed to produce blood.
Understanding the Origin of Qi
So where does Qi come from? Qi is broken down into “pre-heaven” and “post-heaven” Qi. Two distinctions according to pre/post birth.
Every person is infused with Original Qi, given to them at the moment of conception and nourished throughout one’s gestational period (pre-heaven Qi). When a person is born and takes their first breath of air (Clear Qi) and begins to become nourished by food (most often breastmilk at first) Food Qi, their Post Heaven Qi is created (Zong Qi). This then differentiates to form Ying and Wei Qi, the nutritive and defensive aspects of the body.
From the foundations of Chinese medicine by Giovanni Maciocia
Explaining the Movement of Qi
There are four fundamental movements of Qi within the body. The entirety of the body (and all its channels, collaterals, organs, Qi, Blood, body fluids, nutritive and defensive qi, yin, and yang) all depend on these movements. The body has specific movements of Qi for each aspect and this helps to maintain + promote their normal physiological functions. The movement of Qi within the body is known as the Qi Mechanism and the body is in perpetual motion and has no area that this does not reach. The strength of the Qi movement may speak to one’s ability to transform, heal, and change. For example, the Stomach’s normal Qi is to descend, to move food down deeper into our digestive system, and when out of balance and experiencing counterflow, we begin to see stomach Qi uprising leading to things like acid reflux, burping, or vomiting.
Ascending
Descending
Entering
Exiting
There are also four disharmonies in the Qi movement. This refers to imbalances within the normal functioning of organs and what they are supposed to do.
Deficient Qi 氣虛
Collapsed/sinking Qi 陷氣
Stagnant Qi 氣滯
Rebellious Qi 氣逆
“When Chinese medical theory says that acupuncture and herbal medicine regulates and nourishes the body’s qi, this is referring to the use of these methods to strengthen the body and improve its ability to properly regulate physiological function, transform, change, and resolve illness. While modern Western medicine would use terms such as strengthen the immune system and regulate the hormones, Chinese medicine would simply say tonify and regulate the qi as a shorthand way of describing more complex processes.”
So What is Qi?
It is a concept involving the intricate nature of the human body’s refined energy produced by the zang-fu and its functional activities. These forms and functions lie outside of the tangible, dissectable Western medical analysis of the body to also encompass our mental-emotional self and- dare I say- our energetic body. The word Qi is much much more than that, it is a concept that makes up the entirety of the beauty that makes us human, and no single translation, word, or article can fully explain it. It is scientific and philosophical, it is matter and energy, and most importantly it is ever-changing, as are we.
“When discussing humans, one must look to the intersecting of Qi. Heaven is above and the Earth is below and Qi intersects in the middle. This is the realm of humans.”
Resources
Unschuld, P. (1985). Medicine in China: A History of Ideas (Vol. Volume 13 of Comparative Studies of Health Systems and Medical Care). Berkeley and Los Angeles: University of California Press.
Maciocia, G. (2005). The foundations of Chinese medicine. Edinburgh: Elsevier Churchill Livingstone.
Zhang, Y. H., & Rose, K. (2001). A Brief History of Qi. Taos, NM: Paradigm Publications.
Unschuld, P., & Tessenow, H. (2011). Huang Di Nei Jing Su Wen: An Annotated Translation of Huang Di’s Inner Classic – Basic Questions (annotated ed.): University of California Press
Cassidy, C. M. (2002). Contemporary Chinese medicine and acupuncture. New York: Churchill Livingstone.
