Translating the Chinese word Qi is an almost impossible task. Some sinologists translate it as Energy, Breath of Life, vital force, movement or a long etcetera. The Chinese character represents a grain of rice that, when cooked, releases steam. It reflects something both material and immaterial at the same time or perhaps something that can be transformed or be transformed, going from the material and crude to the immaterial and subtle or vice versa.
We will use the word Energy not because it is the most accurate but because it is the most well-known translation.
Qi is "everything", the universe itself and everything within it. Its different degrees of condensation range from the immaterial sky to the earth, the latter being the result of the condensation of Qi. Yang (the sky) condenses to form Yin (the earth), both are Qi in different degrees of condensation. Therefore, the human being is the space or the result of this interaction between Yin - Yang or the sky and the earth.
Just as in the universe there are "several types of Qi" simultaneously (the sky and the earth can be considered two different types of Qi coexisting in time and space), in the human body there are different types of Qi or different manifestations of Qi.
Qi changes form, density or manifestation depending on where it is located, whether inside or outside the human body, although in essence it is the same Qi.
There are two ways to understand the term Qi in Chinese medical physiology:
- As a refined energy that the Internal Organs produce in order to nourish the body and mind and capable of acquiring different "forms" according to the function it performs and the place where it is located. For example: Yuan Qi coming from the Lower Burner and which originates from the Kidneys to the other organs and nourishes them.
- As the function of a functional sphere belonging to each of the Internal Organs (not as a refined substance).
For example: Liver Qi responsible for the free circulation of Qi throughout the body.
Types of Qi
The different types of Qi are:
There are two terms that, although they are not different types of Qi, it is common to find references to them in the literature:
Functions of Qi
We can summarize the functions of Qi as:
- Transformation of impure, solid (Yin) substances into pure (Yang).
- Transportation. It is vital to continue with the movement transporting pure products to nourish the organism and impure ones to eliminate them.
- Containment. It is vital for the body that Qi (Yang) contain the blood and fluids (Yin) in their place.
- Elevation. It maintains bodily structures in their place.
- Protection. Resistance to external pathogenic factors.
- Warming. Yang Qi warms the organism and all physiological processes depend on this warmth.
See specific functions of Qi of each organ and viscus in: Theory of Zang Fu
Qi Ji
Qi Ji refers to the mechanisms of Qi or the flow of Qi in the organs.
- Through the three cavities of San Jiao, the three burners.
- Understands the ascending-descending and entry-exit of Qi throughout the body.
- Depends on the free circulation of Qi.
- The balance between Yin and Yang is vital. Exit is Yang, entry is Yin.
- Excess of Yang then equates to excessive ascending and exit movement of Qi. Excess of Yin, on the other hand, equates to excessive descending and entry movement.
- If Qi Ji is interrupted there will be Qi stagnation or Rebellious Qi.
Directions of Movement
- Lung Qi: Descends towards the kidneys and ascends to diffuse Wei Qi and sweat.
- Liver Qi: Controls the free circulation of Qi and ascends.
- Kidney Qi: Ascends towards lung and descends towards bladder.
- Spleen Qi: Ascends.
- Stomach Qi: Descends.
- Heart and Kidney: Heart descends and Kidney ascends to meet.