Qi is the invigorating energy of all processes, our life force or life energy. It animates all living beings, nature and the cosmos. It is an energy that is present in all forms of matter and is concentrated in living organisms.
In TCM a distinction is made between prenatal and postnatal Qi. The prenatal or innate qi is inherited from parents and ancestors. This is stored in the kidneys and is our essence.
The postnatal qi is obtained from food and the air we breathe, which is why nutrition and exercise are so important. The Qi flows in the so-called meridians, but also circulates freely in the body – such as the Wei Qi, our defense energy. The Qi expands and is active during the day (Yang), at night it retreats inside to regenerate (Yin).
Qi can be abundant or deficient, stagnated or blocked. Abundance manifests itself in Yang or heat symptoms such as inflammation, rather sharp pain, high fever and acute events, deficiency, on the other hand, are mostly Yin or cold symptoms such as chills, numbness, edema, chronic and rather dull pain.
Qi is the breath of life, like a stream, an invisible force that keeps all physical, emotional and spiritual processes going and lets us be alive. It pulsates, transforms, nourishes and is the engine of an ongoing cyclical change, filled with the energies of heaven (Yang) and earth (Yin).
It directs the blood, the nervous and lymphatic systems (Ying-Qi), it strengthens the immune system (Wei-Qi). It turns food into body substances, keeps organs in place, prevents excessive perspiration, keeps the body warm, and is the source of movement and growth.
Qi is everywhere in the body, its flow runs along certain channels, the so-called meridians. There are 12 main meridians corresponding to the main organs and 8 extraordinary meridians.
Qi is the invigorating energy of all processes, our life energy. It animates all living beings, nature, the cosmos. The Qi flows in the so-called meridians, but also circulates freely in the body – such as the Wei Qi, our defense energy.
Qi expands during the day and is active (Yang), at night it retreats inside to regenerate (Yin).
