Known as Defensive Qi (Wei Qi).
It is a more coarse form of Qi compared to Rong Qi
In this sense it is the Yang polarity of Zhen Qi
It flows on the outside of the body and its main function is to protect the body from external pathogenic energies.
- It diffuses in the space between skin and muscle
The Lungs govern the Wei Qi.
- Weakness in Lung-Qi = weakness in Wei Qi.
- The Lungs diffuse the Body Fluids between skin and muscle so they mix with the Wei Qi.
The Jing and Yuan Qi stored in the Kidneys are vital in resistance to external pathogenic factors.
- "Wei Qi" originates from Essence and Original Qi
- It is transformed by Kidney-Yang.
Functions
- Warms, nourishes and moistens skin and muscle.
- Defends the surface so that external pathogenic energies do not penetrate the channel system and reach the organs.
- Expel and recover from illness
- Controls the opening and closing of the pores.
- Regulates body temperature (sweating).
Wei Qi Circulation
Wei Qi makes 50 rounds in 24 hours, 25 during the day and 25 during the night.
- It makes a complete round of the body in almost 29 minutes.
- During the day Wei Qi circulates on the surface (Yang), on the exterior of the body.
- At night, Wei Qi internalizes (Yin) and circulates in the interior.
According to the Spiritual Axis, Wei Qi circulates from exterior to interior first from Tai Yang to Shao Yang and Yang Ming and enters the body in the same direction: Tai Yin, Jue Yin, Shao Yin.
At dusk (around 7 PM) it goes first to Kidney, then to Heart, Lungs, Liver and Spleen following the Ke cycle. It returns to Kidney around 3-5 A.M., the most Yin hour. Upon waking, Wei Qi rises to the eyes (see Yin Qiao Mai and Yang Qiao Mai and their relationship with sleep) and spreads through the Yang channels starting the cycle again from Tai Yang (SI - BL), to the surface.