Qi Energy: Everything You Need to Know

Qi energy can take a few different forms. People are born with an inherent type of energy called yuan qi which can be translated to “ancestral qi”. It is believed that there is an energy that surrounds us like an aura and protects us called wei or “protective” qi.

Then there is the qi energy that we ingest or consume from food and liquid or the energy we breath in the air called hou tain qi. Within the body, each of our organs has their own specific energy as well.

The Taoist philosophy is based upon the idea of two opposite, but ideally balanced feminine and masculine energies of yin and yang qi.

The Chinese character for qi dates back from 3,500 years ago, but its meaning has evolved over time. In the works of Confucius, it was used to signify food, breathe, and vitality. Lao-Tze who is the founder of Taoism and was a contemporary (or nearly) of Confucius also used the symbol in his writing. In his usage, it seemed to describe something more similar to a soul.

The qi energy is all around the universe and when it assembles, it becomes a person. When it disperses, the person dies. Mencius used qi to describe a person’s morals.

Qi energy forms the philosophical basis of much of Chinese Traditional Medicine. The general belief is that many of our physical ailments are the manifestation of an imbalance or congestion of our vital energies. The various acupoints in the body correspond to different body systems and body parts and by finding ways to manipulate the energy and increase the flow, one can be healed.

As stated above, there are multiple forms of qi energy, often corresponding to the different body parts. Chinese medicine is therefore based upon ways of controlling these energies.

One of the most popular forms of Chinese medicine is acupuncture, wherein very fine needles are stuck into the acupoints and frees up the qi energy. As it can help stimulate the body’s release of its natural pain killers, it is often used for pain relief and sometimes as an aid to quit smoking, even in the West.

Acupressure is a similar method, but instead of needles, thumb pressure is used to stimulate the acupoints.

Shiatsu is another related offshoot of Chinese traditional medicine that uses massage to break up blockages of qi in the body.

Another way qi energy is used is in the two similar practices of qigong and tai chi. These can be seen as not just a type of healing, but an entire philosophy of healthy living based upon the balance of flow of our vital energy.

Qi gong, though quite an old practice, was popularized by Liu Guizhen in the 1950s. It was suppressed by the Maoist government, but eventually regained its popularity. There are three main types of qigong: martial, spiritual, and medical. The first focuses on harnessing the power of qi energy in the body and focusing it to complete seemingly impossible tasks such as breaking bricks or not being hurt during physical attacks. It also helps the body maintain its physical strength.

Another form of healing that utilizes the concept of qi energy is Reiki, which originated in Japan, but is based upon the same general ideology. The name from the Japanese words “rei”, which is God’s wisdom, and “ki”, which is energy. It was based upon traditional beliefs in Japan, but the modern version was developed by Mikao Usui in the early twentieth century. It is popular worldwide. The healers try to pump qi energy into the body using a set of patterns and symbols to try to break up blockages of stale or negative energy.

Besides the aforementioned qigong, this vital energy is used in a wide variety of oriental martial arts. Practitioners harness their internal energy to complete various tasks that are thought of as impossible without ki. It is believed that strength comes from a combination of our physical muscle strength and our ability to direct the flow of energy. The most important part is a proper breathing technique. Essentially, one needs to take in qi energy through the breath and hold it within the body, thus charging the person.

Qi also has some applications for architecture and interior design. It is believed that there is an energy that flows through non-living things as well. The thought is that buildings and rooms can be designed and oriented in such a way that there is a balance of energy and a stimulation of energy in the people who use these spaces. This is done through choices in color, shape, and direction. This particular field or belief is called Feng Shui and has roots going back 5000 years. Originally, it was used for laying out tombs. Since, it has gained popularity in the West and in modern times.

Updated: July 14, 2024. – This article was originally published on February 10, 2021.