Qi
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Qi can be and is usually translated as “air”. And, it has many other meaning as well, so the word ‘qi’ can be somewhat confusing. At the core of qi is the ancient Chinese word for “life force” or “vital energy”. Since ‘life force’ is all around us, just like air, so it can easily be translated into air. As you train, you will discover how deep this concept can go.
Qi provides a means by which we can understand the universe. Also, it is different than the Dao. Qi is the breath of life that the Dao/universe started. This is because the universe presents itself through qi. Therefore, learning about qi and how to use it can be very useful into understanding the nature of things. We cannot understand life if we do not start to understand qi. Qi, as a whole, can be best understood through looking at its three components: energy, matter, and information. They are separate concepts but inseparable.
Qi is everywhere. Everything has it, and everything has its own distinct qi. This is how we can distinguish one thing from another. Everything is distinctly unique. A person who is trained to be sensitive to qi can feel the differences between things, even though the things are categorized as the same class of material.
It is important to be aware that qi flows. It isn’t stagnant. The flow allows for all parts of the universe to connect with its entirety. It flows inside and on the surface of everything. This flow is how things change. There is yin qi and yang qi. Qi follows the characteristics of the yin/yang. Thus, the universe is in constant change: from weather changes, seasons, the waning and waxing of the moon to the birth and death of stars. The body changes too. If qi doesn’t flow, there won’t be change, and when that happens, the body’s qi is stagnant, which means the body is unhealthy.
Most people have heard of acupuncture or acupressure, these healing arts are designed for helping qi flow healthily in pathways within our bodies. These pathways are called channels or meridians. When ill, the flow isn’t right, and using acupuncture or acupressure will help put qi back on its correct flow. In practicing qi gong, you will move your body to help qi flow stronger which means you will be healthier.
We can find that there are many kinds of qi beyond yin and yang qi. A researcher did an extensive research on qi and found 32 references to different types of qi. The most common talked about are original qi, organ qi, yin qi and yang qi, grain qi, natural qi, protective qi, nutritive qi, meridian qi, and qi of the chest to name just a few. Each kind will have its own function and purpose. For the most part, it is not important to study it in great detail, being aware of qi in general is the important part. We can increase our awareness of the living qi around us by practicing qi gong, kung fu, tai chi, and meditation.
As you can see, qi is not an easy thing to understand. It is versatile and easily confusing. Everyone has a personal definition, yet it is indefinable. Yet, we use it all the time, we cannot live without it, and existence wouldn’t exist without it. It flows. We need to learn how to flow with it, and practicing internal, and external (as long as it is a focus) arts teaches us how to flow with it. So keep practicing, it will start to make sense.