Qi
The Definite Guide to Qi
Qi in Chinese medicine refers to life force or energy. When our body suffers from pain or diseases, it can only mean that Qi has not been properly manipulated to perform its restorative process within the body of the person who is sick. The early Chinese philosophers regarded Qi as more than just a vital force. Qi controls everything like the process of breathing and right flow of body fluids into each organ of the body where it needs to go. Qi is affected by many of factors. These are called disruptions, or energy blockers. Negative emotions will normally produce stress or tensions in the person’s body because it blocks the positive force. When the person’s body has low energy level eventually he will get sick.
Stages of Qi
To detect if the body is suffering from an imbalance of Qi, specific signs, particularly in the tongue and pulse, are put together to diagnose the level of imbalance. To cultivate Qi correctly is to know its stages. In Taoism, Qi has ten stages which are further divided into sub stages. To start off, the 1st three stages of Qi deal with physical health and healing, that is why this stage was referred to as “Discovering Qi”. The 2nd three stages deal with mental as well as emotional well being of the person, this is what is referred to as “Gathering Qi”. The 3rd and final stage is comprised of four stages which deal with the spiritual side of the person. Last but not the least, is referred to as Circulate Qi.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Qi is closely observed through these signs to look for a specific solution to the patient’s Qi problem or lack of it. To diagnose the four characteristics of disharmony in the body, these signs are observed:
- Qi is said to be “Deficient”, when it cannot function as it should. For example chronic colds are a sign that the person’s body can no longer produce warm such as those who are in their old age. Fatigue is a common sign of this deficiency. The tongue is covered with thin coat.
- Qi is “Sinking”, when Qi can no longer uphold its function and has the tendency of sinking hence the nickname given. Here is when any organ of the patient’s body suffers from lapses. Uncomfortable feeling in the abdomen is felt. The tongue is covered with the same thin coat similar to that of the person who suffers from Qi deficiency.
- Qi is “Stagnant”, when it is impaired and produces a sluggish flow because of certain blockages. A simple bump can produce pain and swelling. Sometimes in this stagnant stage, even internal organs can be affected. Feeling chest pains is one of the signs of Qi stagnation. The tongue is covered with white coating.
- Qi is “Rebellious”, when it moves in the wrong direction. For example, the usual stomach sensations are leading downwards. If Qi “rebels”, the movement will be upward this can produce burping, hiccups and sometimes can even make the patient feel nauseous and ready to vomit. Some of the signs of having rebellious Qi is when the patient is coughing, suffers from dizziness, or vomits. The tongue is covered with pale or white coat and in some cases the tongue has red or yellowish coating on it.
To help those who suffer from lack or deficiency of Qi, some versions were developed. These healing methods center on strengthening Qi and emitting this strengthen Qi to bring healing to others. Chinese nuclear scientists have found that Qi can be emitted by certain individuals who have learned to harness its power. Some of these individuals can even transmit Qi, even without actually touching the subject. Qi can be projected for as far as a distance of 16 feet.
Qi and Aura
Some Qi healers can even visually scan a person’s organs and tissues to identify weaknesses and diagnose the exact illness. These healers see “aura” or certain light radiating outward of the diseased part of the person’s body. Blue colors are deficiency in yang or hot Qi. Red lights refer to deficiency in cold chi or Yin. Green on the other hand refers to poison or infection and can even result in bruising or sprains to the body. Black which is undeniably a negative color since it represents that the tissue of the body is dead or the Qi is absent.
Upon determining the colors coming from the specific organs of the body, acupuncture can now be used to apply treatment. A good Qi healer can isolate and target the most problematic areas of the body. This is why sometimes Chinese doctors know the sickness of a person based on how weak or strong his pulse is. Some students are training in this art of diagnosis and healing. Energy Healing Schools are even offered online to tap into these Qi techniques. Some exercises that help to build each students level of energy or Qi through guided exercises are the common method used in these classes. Yoga is usually taught to harness Qi.
Qi is said to be the highest form of healing because it does not use any acupressure, acupuncture needles, herbs or animal products. For those who practice or benefit from the healing effects of Qi, there is still more to gain from this highest form of energy. Qi can stop or reverse diseases and has anti aging benefits too. Medical Qi has two parts. The internal, this is when students try to develop their inner Qi for healing and the external Qi which pertains to exercise.
Qi has now been merged together with Gong to form a gentle form of exercise that can improve the health and total well being of a person. Qi Gong simply means skillfully maneuvering the body’s energy in order to bring healing and strength into every system of the body. The good news about Qi Gong is that this can easily be learnt, even at any age and in any levels of fitness.
The next article we have takes a look at Tai Chi and how it is integrated into Chinese Medicine.