Qi (pronounced chee)
Classic Chinese philosophy believes that the primary state of the universe
is qi, the constant movement of which produces all the things in the universe,
including life. Thus people in ancient China thought that the accumulation
of qi would produce life while the dispersion of qi would put an end to
life. Qi is very active and in constant motion. Qi is also extremely fine
and invisible.
In the theory of TCM, Qi is the most essential substance that makes up
the body and maintains life activities. All vital substances, organs and meridians in the body are formed by the motion, transformation and
accumulation of qi.
Qi is an important and unique concept of TCM and is defined and sub-categorised
into different types according to its function within the body. This includes:
nutrient (ying) qi, defensive (wei) qi and pectoral (zong) qi.
