Definition of the week: Qi

qi   noun "

CHē" or "chee"

What is Qi?

QI is the energy whose properties are the basis and fundamentals of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).  Qi flows through the body, it is all around us, and is believed to be two portions. Energy and changes in environment, and also physiological components of anatomy.

"Qi was initially termed as the best definition for the understanding of the natural phenomena." [1] Over 3,000 years ago, the alternative therapy described as acupuncture developed in China.  Acupuncture therapy is used to to stabilize and stimulate the body's Qi and immune systems to result in a permanent healing.  Qi is the vital energy or power that animated and supports the functions of the body. "In TCM, Qi has more meanings, Qi can move in the meridians, and can also combine with blood to support the energy to the internal organs." [2]

Ancient theory is that Qi flows through specific pathways, calls meridians, and provides nourishment for the entire body. The acupuncture meridian system is an interface of energetic exchange  between our physical body and the energy fields which surround us.

Acupuncture points have unique electrical characteristics which distinguish them from surrounding skin, and also mediated by a primary, subtle energetic system that influences the networks of physical nerves.  Stimulation of acupuncture points produce changes in the nervous system (ie. endorphin release and relieve pain) because the meridians indirectly influence nerve pathway in the body.  This treatment replaces pain and fatigue with revitalizing energy and relief of stress and tension.  As the Qi is 're-engerized' by the needles, the movement throughout the body is significant in the corresponding body systems (ie. liver, kidney, heart, lung. etc.) to produce outstanding results.

Because Qi is an energy, it may be affected by numerous factors.  Everything must be in balance for optimal performance and wellness.  Factors such as environmental, physiological and psychological can impede on one's energy and one's self balance.  When disease occurs, it is a signal that we are constricting the natural flow of life energy throughout our multidimensional bodies.  Once we have learned the real reasons for feeling ill, we must begin to make changes that will result in a healing on many simultaneous levels.

Traditional Chinese Medicine theories and treatments go far beyond treating symptoms and signs, treating the body as a whole and unique organism.  Acupuncture can greatly enhance our health and achieve better levels of wellness and integration and balance of the interlocking elements of the body, mind, and spirit.

References:

ACU HEALING [1]

YING YAN HOUSE [2]