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Different styles of Traditional Chinese Medicine practiced in the
United States
What can I expect during an acupuncture session?
What procedures are used in Traditional
Chinese Medicine?
What is Qi? |
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What
is Qi?
 Qi has often been translated as ‘energy’ or ‘life force energy’ by
Westerners. However, the Chinese character for qi depicts a pot
cooking on a kettle with steam coming from it; the steam being qi.
This metaphor seems to point towards a more complex understanding of
qi. In Mandarin, qi is sometimes used to denote the quality or type
of air. Leng qi means cold air, referring to air conditioning.
Without air we would not have the ability to breathe, so in this
case, qi can be seen as a vital life force. However, qi is also
strongly related to metabolism-if one has sluggish digestion, this
is known in Chinese medicine as a deficiency of qi. The quality of
the molecules and particles that we breathe, from damp to clean, is
described by varying grades of qi as well. Each organ system also
has qi, which is a measurement of the vitality of that organ’s
health. For example, good spleen qi denotes good digestion. As one
looks deeper, it is apparent that the concept of qi is complex and
multi-faceted. It is impossible to define using one simple term such
as ‘energy’, because although qi is ‘life force energy,’ it is also
what supports and maintains that life energy. |
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Traditional Chinese Medicine
Monica Bloch, M.S., L.Ac.
theacupuncturist@gmail.com
To make an appointment, please
call 805-966-4772.
Spa Medicus,
18 East Canon Perdido
Santa Barbara |
