Q
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| Qi (pronounced "Chee";
also spelled Ch’i) |
A traditional Chinese term denoting "vital energy flow."
The creative or formative principle associated with life and all processes
that characterize living entities. All animate forms in nature are
manifestations of Qi. Qi is an invisible substance, as well
as an immaterial force that has palpable and observable manifestations.
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Qi has its own movement and also activates the movement of things
other than itself. Qi begets motion and heat. Within the context
of the human person, Qi is that which enlivens the body and
is differentiated according to specific functional systems. All physical
and mental activities are manifestations of Qi: sensing, cogitating,
feeling, digesting, stirring, propagating. |
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One Chinese ideogram for Qi is composed of an upper radical
representing "rising vapor" and a lower radical denoting
"grain." The steam that spirals from a pot of cooking rice
symbolizes distilled essence, hence Qi can be translated as
the vapor of the finest matter. Qi refers to resources the human organism
consumes, transforms, and transmits. |
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The highly refined essence of food (Food Qi) and air (Air
Qi) in the body becomes one entity known as Pure or Righteous
Qi. It is this Righteous or Zheng Qi that circulates
in the channels, regulating and nourishing all body processes and
activities. Defensive Qi (wei) is the activity of adapting
to influences such as weather or mobilizing resistance to pathogenic
microorganisms and noxious substances in the environment. Qi also
implies the totality of Blood, Moisture, and Qi, the total
summation of the life of the organism. |
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Qi is regulated by the Liver, generated by the Spleen,
distributed by the Lungs, and stored by the Kidney. |
| Qi Gong |
Literally translates as "Qi cultivation," Qi Gong is comprised
of static and moving exercises that enable the practitioner to strengthen
and rebalance Qi. Qi Gong can take the form of a ritualized daily
exercise like Tai Qi or can be executed by a medical practitioner
in order to heal patients. |