-IBIS-1.5.0-
rx
Chinese physiology
Qi (Vital Energy)
diagnoses

definition

QI

The Concept of Qi:
• Qi depends on Shen and Jing (Essence)
• translated as "vital energy" it is active and dynamic; its nature is to move
• it is synonymous with function; it is therefore intelligent; it "knows" what to do and how to do it
• Qi is constantly exchanged between the body and the environment and there are other "sources" of Qi besides food, air and water
• as the body and the environment are in constant communication, an aspect of Qi may be understood as information; it is informative

Functions of Qi in the body:
• movement: Qi is responsible for all movement in and of the body (voluntary and involuntary), thus, all bodily activity, behavior and function
• transformation: an aspect of movement, Qi is the catalyst for change
• protection: the defenses of the body and their relative strength are dependent on Qi.
• Qi holds things up and in: keeps the body intact
» keeps things from leaking out
» lifts and raises: keeps things from falling down or out
Thus it preserves functional and structural integrity, by keeping the outside out and the inside in.
• warms the body: closely associated with the body's yang

Types of Qi:
• Yuan Qi - Original or Source Qi
• Zhong Qi - Central or Middle Qi
• Gu Qi - Grain Qi, Food Qi
• Zhen Qi - True Qi
• Qing Qi - Clear or Clean Qi
• Zheng - Correct or Upright Qi
• Wei Qi - Protective or Defensive Qi
• Ying - Nutritive or Constructive Qi
• Zong Qi - Ancestral or Gathering Qi
• Xiong Qi - Qi of the chest
• Xie Qi - Evil Qi

Organs and their relationship to Qi:
• the Lung rules the Qi
• the Kidney is the foundation of Qi
• the Spleen/Stomach acquire and produce Qi
• the Liver spreads the Qi (disseminates and apportions Qi)
• the Heart/Mind depends on Qi

Dysfunctions of Qi:
• Qi Xu = Deficiency, Vacuity, insufficiency or weakness of Qi
• Qi Zhi = Depression or Stagnation of Qi
• Qi Ni = Rebellious Qi or Qi flowing counter to its normal direction
• Qi Xian = Qi that is sinking: prolapse


footnotes