-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