Qi or Breath of Life: a fundamental concept

Qi is an imperceptible, subtle substance, considered to be both unique and plural. Usually translated as energy, the main characteristic of this material is the perpetual motion. This movement will give it its functions and will ensure the vital functions of the organs.

Summary

• Transformation and movement of Qi
• Qi of organs and viscera
• Production of Qi
• Functions of Qi
• Qi Movements
• The different types of Qi

The body's Qi has 3 origins and is made up of the following 3 elements:

1. The Anterior Sky Qi – Xian Tian, Qi present before birth, from conception, original Qi, Qi of the parents;
2. The Qi of the natural world, the air we breathe, 2^th means of producing Qi;
3. The Food Qi.

In the body, Qi circulates constantly, it circulates blood and fluids. It reaches all parts of the body. It is the fundamental substance which constitutes the organism and which maintains vital functions. Once the Qi is formed, it will be distributed to the organs, viscera, skin, bones, tendons and meridians. These different Qi of the 5 organs, viscera and meridians are the concrete manifestation of the functional activity of the body's Qi in different parts of the body.

For example, Heart Qi is the action of the body's Qi at the heart level. The function of the heart is to govern the blood, it is Qi which allows the heart to push the blood inside the vessels. The same is true for the Qi of a given meridian.

The forms that this movement of Qi takes

The transformation of Qi – Qi hua

These are all the processes of transformation of Qi, at which vital activities can take place.

The movement of Qi – Qi Ji

This is one of the functions of Qi, its ability to transform and eliminate the old to produce new, metabolic activities (digestion, assimilation, transport of food, transformation of liquids into urine, perspiration, breath) of the body to keep it alive and healthy.

• The transformation of Qi – Qi hua
  These are all the processes of transformation of Qi, at which vital activities can take place.
• The movement of Qi – Qi Ji
  This is one of the functions of Qi, its ability to transform and eliminate the old to produce the new, metabolic activities (digestion, assimilation, transport of food, transformation of liquids into urine, perspiration, breath) of the body to keep it alive and healthy.

At the level of the Traditional Chinese Medicine, we focus on the processes Qi Hua transformation of Qi. Thanks to the regulation of Qi Hua, through Chinese Tuina massage, pharmacopoeia andacupuncture, we will be able to restore the proper functioning of the body.
The mechanism of Qi Qi Ji, these are all the movements of Qi which have privileged directions which are the rise (upwards), the descent (downwards), the entry (from the outside to the inside) and the exit (from the 'inside to outside).
It is these complementary and opposing movements that will allow the process of transformation of Qi “Qi hua” to be accomplished in the body and with the external environment.

• Climb generally Yang;
• Descent Yin;
• Entrance: reception of the new one;
• Exit: rejection of the worn out, the old.

The ascent and descent allows internal exchanges, they will emphasize the internal transformation processes of the body.
The entry and exit will allow exchanges between internal Qi and external Qi, exchanges of materials (reception, elimination).

Basic rules of Qi movements of organs and viscera

THE organs have the common function of store Qi and essence. Their movement is considered to be rather ascending.
THE viscera which have the common function of transport/transform have a rather downward movement.
However, the heart and lung must have a Qi which descends to be able to communicate to the lower organs.
The liver and kidneys must have a Qi which goes up to be able to communicate with the top.
The spleen located in the center, a sort of pivot, has a Qi which must go up and down.

The liver rises and rises from the left. The lung descends from the right.
The viscera have a Qi rather descending (elimination, digestion). However, it may have to go back up.
Each organ will have an 'up' aspect and a 'down' aspect.

The Qi corresponds to the most fundamental material for the functioning, the constitution of the organism and the maintenance of vital activities. It is a material on which the human life and it is also the common name for activities.

Inasmuch as fundamental subject to the constitution of the organism, Qi will structure the body.

This structure takes 2 forms:

– Qi Condensation which gives body to the organs, viscera, skin and all constituents of the human body;
– Qi that disperses, spreads, circulates, it is the one on which we are working in Chinese massage Tuina and in acupuncture.

it's about the material that will be necessary to maintain the functional activities of the body.

To maintain these vital activities, man needs to interact with the outside world.
Air, water, food will be transformed into vital materials of the body thanks to Qi Hua of the body.
Once transformed into vital substances, they will be absorbed or eliminated.

Man and the natural environment are controlled by the same theories of yin yang and 5 movements.
When Qi condenses it is life, when Qi disperses completely it is death.
Man has inherited the Qi of heaven and earth and will depend on the Qi of the 4 seasons to grow.
Man and heaven always match “Tian Ren He Yi”.

The production of Qi

Qi is composed of:

• Anterior Sky Qi, Qi inherited from the parents, primitive matter which will constitute the embryo, the Yuan Qi.
• Posterior Sky Qi which includes nutrients removed from food – Jingqi food – and by theair breathed – Jing Qi of pure air.

Qi is produced by:

1. The lung which takes care of general regulation through breathing – inhalation of pure Qi and expiration of cloudy Qi. The lung also participates directly in the production of Qi with the Zong Qi that it produces in the chest from air (lung) and food (spleen). THE Zongqi stimulates breathing and circulation of Qi and blood.
2. There missed – root of the posterior sky – and thestomach – source of transformation of Qi and blood – are at the origin of the production of nutrients. They will transform food and produce nutrients, will thus produce Qi and blood and will also nourish the essence of the previous sky.
3. The level of kidney, which stores essence (Yuan Qi, essence in the form of qi), which is the matter that allows the creation of human life. The kidney stores the essence of the anterior sky and the essence of the posterior sky.

The functions of Qi

1^time function of Qi: activation, setting in motion

Driving effect which will manifest itself in the growth and development of the organism (in reproduction), in the functional activities of the organs and viscera, in the production and circulation of blood and in the production, distribution and elimination of liquids.

All organs, viscera, meridians and collaterals will depend on this movement to ensure their functions..

The fundamental material for the formation of the meridians is the Qi. At the level of blood and fluids, the production and circulation of blood as well as the production, distribution and elimination of fluids are linked to the complete action of the organs and viscera. At the Qi level, it will stimulate the production of blood and fluids, it will also stimulate their circulation.

If there is a Qi deficiency, these 4 areas will be impacted.

2^th function: warming

Possible thanks to the side yang of Qi, the late cadet, the late minister. Qi is a source of heat for the body.

It helps maintain normal body temperature. Without this warming, there is no physiological functioning, fluids and blood cannot circulate.

3^th function: defense

We also speak of Qi to describe the onset of illnesses.

Zheng Qi, Right Qi: it is a state where the movements of Qi are normal inside the body. He translates the capacity of resistance of the body to a perversity.

Xie Qi, Perverted Qi, Pathogenic Qi: it is a state where the movements of Qi are abnormal inside the body, which can create disturbances.

In Chinese Medicine, an illness corresponds to a struggle between right Qi and perverse Qi. The process of disease progression can be seen as a struggle between Zheng Qi and Xie Qi.

If the right Qi is harmonious – Zheng Qi is normal, the body can resist illnesses.
If there is disharmony in the Qi, the evil Qi can attack.
In the Huangdi Nei Jing Or Yellow Emperor's Internal Classic which is the oldest work of traditional Chinese medicine "All illnesses arise from Qi".

3 areas where this will be visible:
– Defense against external perversions at the skin level. The lung will diffuse defensive Qi to the skin, this Qi will prevent invasion by external perversities;
– Struggle between right Qi and perverse Qi, Qi (right) will have the role of fighting the intruder. The right Qi of the body fights until it expels the evil Qi outside the body;
– Recovery after illness, convalescence, recovery. After the illness, the right Qi will be restored and will promote restoring yin yang balance, the restoration of physiological functions. Healing will be able to take place.

L'state of Qi (abundant, circulates well or is insufficient) is equivalent/will determine the state of right Qi, which will determine the possibility of falling ill, of being attacked by a perversity. When right Qi is abundant, even in the presence of evil Qi, the latter will not be able to attack or it will be benign and easy to cure. If it is insufficient, the person will be easily attacked and often sick with a recovery that is either longer or more complicated.

4^th function: restraint

Refers to the containment of body fluids.

In the yin yang theory, within the relationships of opposition and complementarity, it is considered that yang is the master and that yin follows. Yang Qi is the master of life. If the yang is weak, the yin will burn out.

The restraining function of Qi reflects the regulating function of yang Qi on yin fluids.

Qi can contain the blood and ensure that it does not escape its regulatory channels. It can contain liquids (perspiration, urine, stomach fluids, etc.), it controls the quantities secreted and eliminated. It may contain seminal fluid.
Qi also contains the Qi of the organs and viscera which will thus be held in place, and will allow them to carry out their function.

→ Movement and restraint must be coordinated, they are 2 complementary processes.

5^th function: transformation

All transformations and movements of Qi in the body.

Qi Hua of the body: the transformation of all movements of Qi throughout the body.

Through the movements of Qi, blood, liquids and essence transform and generate each other.

All materials will transform each other (metabolism): digestion, assimilation and transport of food, and also the production and transformation of Qi, blood and liquids, the production and elimination of metabolic materials, the transformation of liquids. All these activities reflect the function of Qi Hua.

→ If there is an abnormality of Qi Hua, all metabolisms are impacted.

6^th function: nutrition

The Qi of food is nutritious, it will form Zong Qi when it mixes with the Qi of the air.
Ying Qi is a very nutritious qi.

Qi movements

The Qi Ji corresponds to the movements of Qi which take place in the 4 directions: entry, exit, rise and fall.

The 5 organs have the function of storing essence, their Qi is rather ascending.
The viscera transport, their Qi is rather descending.

Manifestations of Qi disturbances

Qi Stagnation – Qi Zhi

When the Qi stagnates, we are going to talk about stagnation of Qi – Qi Zhi / Qi Yu. The Qi no longer circulates, there is blocking.

Qi against the flow / Repression, Reflux of Qi – Qi Ni

When there is a excess of the ascent or insufficient movement of the descent, we are going to talk about Qi against the grain – Qi Ni.

Collapse of Qi – Qi Xian

It is either a excessive descent or insufficient rise.

Exhaustion of Qi – Qi Tuo

This is a excessive externalization movement.

Blocking of Qi – Qi Bi

It's about a hindrance of entry and exit movements.

The different types of Qi

We always talk about the body's Qi, which circulates. It's still the same Qi.

The Qi of the previous sky, the Yuan Qi, the original Qi. Compared to other Qi that appears after birth, the Qi from the previous sky will need to be nourished regularly.

These Qi circulate throughout the body, in the organs and viscera, in the meridians.

Yuan Qi

Yuan Qi – the original Qi, this is the root of Qi, the life force. It is the Qi of the previous sky but cannot be considered as exclusively composed of the Qi of the previous sky.
The kidney stores essence, Yuan Qi is composed of Anterior Heaven Qi and Posterior Heaven Qi.
We include Yuan Qi, the original yin Qi and yang Qi.
Its role will be to stimulate and activate the functions of the organs and meridians. Function: beginning role. It is the origin of life.
Yuan Qi is inherited from parents' Yin and Qi. In terms of quantity and quality, there is something innate but we can definitely play on this quantity and quality.

In terms of its production: It is stored in the kidney and it depends, it is helped by the essence component of the kidney. It is the essence of the kidney in the form of Qi. Yuan Qi will be the driving force of vital functions, the essence is more material. This essence and Qi are fueled by nutrients. The state of Yuan Qi is directly related to the state of the spleen and stomach. If the Spleen and Stomach Qi are abundant, the Yuan Qi will be abundant. If the Spleen and Stomach Qi are deficient, Yuan Qi is deficient.

In terms of its distribution: it is the kidney and Mingmen which will store this original Qi. Yuan Qi will emerge from Mingmen (between the Kidneys, on the column – Dumai point), it will cross the entire triple heater before entering all the meridians (the meridian system). It circulates everywhere, in the organs, on the skin, in the grouts (the interstitial spaces). Acupuncture points on the extremities of the hands and feet, where Yuan Qi is believed to accumulate particularly.

• 1^time function : Stimulate growth and development.
• 2^th function : Warm and activate the physiological functions of all body functions (organs, viscera, meridians, etc.).

Yin side: what will allow nutrition. If there is no Yin Qi, the organs will not be nourished, moistened, humidified. This is yin Yuan Qi.

If there is no yang Qi, there will be no movement. Here is yang Yuan Qi (original fire).

Qi rather yin in relation to essence and yang rather fire in relation to movement.

In the clinic, if there is a Qi deficiency, the Qi of the organ concerned is toned.
If that is not enough, we tone the kidney and spleen for more general toning.
If it doesn't work, we need to re-examine the diagnosis.

Zong Qi or Da Qi

Zong Qi is produced by nutrients taken up by the spleen which mix in the chest with air entering the lungs. If there are disturbances in nutrients or air, Zong Qi will be affected. If there are disturbances in the respiratory function of the Lung or transport and transformation of the spleen-stomach, this will have an influence on Zong Qi.
In terms of distribution, Zong Qi will accumulate in the chest, then flow into the vessels of the heart and lung.
Upward, Zong Qi exits at the lung level, then rises through the respiratory tract, through the throat.
Zong Qi will also descend, thanks to the descent function of the lung, it will accumulate at the Dan Tian level (cinnabar field), in the lower Qi sea – Qihai. From the Dan Tian it will go towards the groin, then down along the stomach meridian to the foot. It is a Qi that circulates throughout the body.

• 1^time function : Promote and help breathing
  Zong Qi will help the lung to stimulate breathing. The state of speech/voice/breathing will depend on whether Zong Qi is abundant or not. If the voice is weak or the patient does not want to speak, the lung Qi will need to be tonified.
• 2^th function : Promote blood circulation
  Zong Qi diffuses inside the vessels of the heart, Zong Qi will help the heart to push the blood inside the vessels. The state of Zong Qi will influence the circulation of blood and Qi. If there is deficiency of Zong Qi, we will not be able to help the heart to push blood, which may lead to blood stasis.

Ying Qi – Nourishing Qi

It circulates inside the blood vessels and has a very nutritive function. We often talk about nourishing blood – Ying Xue.
Ying Qi is more yin compared to Wei Qi.

Ying Qi is produced and transformed from the subtle substances of food. It is exclusively produced from food/nutrients. The most refined part of the nutrients enters the vessels and constitutes Ying Qi.

In terms of its distribution, it circulates inside the vessels in a continuous circle without interruption. It circulates in the 12 main meridians as well as Dumai And Renmai, then it will pass through the organs and viscera.

• 1^time function : Transform and produce blood

From the lung it will flow into the blood and from then on become one of the components of the blood.

• 2^th function : Nourish the body

By circulating in the vessels, in the meridians, Ying Qi will reach all parts of the body and provide them with the materials necessary for their physiological activities.

Wei Qi – Defensive Qi

Wei Qi has a function of protection of the body, it constitutes a barrier against external attacks.
We call it the defensive yang because rather yang in relation to Ying Qi.

It is produced from the subtle materials of food, nutrients. Unlike Ying Qi which has a softer, more nourishing nature, a noble part of the elements, more moisturizing, more static.
The nature of Wei Qi is more impetuous, more warlike, more mobile. It is produced from a coarser part of the nutrients.
Wei Qi circulates outside the vessels, outside the meridians (Ying Qi inside the vessels, inside the meridians), rather on the surface. It circulates continuously, faster than Ying Qi. During the day, it will circulate mainly in the yang meridians, and at night mainly in the yin meridians. 25 cycles during the day and 25 more at night, i.e. 50 revolutions per day.
Second permanent circulation system: Wei Qi.

• 1^time function : Defense
  It can both protect the body from external attacks and it will also help expel perversities to the outside.
• 2^th function : Warming and nutrition of organs, viscera, flesh, skin and hair
  It can maintain normal body temperature. Thus favorable condition for the normal activity of the organs and viscera. The flesh will be well nourished. Skin and hair too.
• 3^th function : Regulate the opening and closing of grouts, regulate the elimination of perspiration
  Maintaining balance between the inside and outside of the body. If Wei Qi is disturbed by cold for example, there may be a blockage of the grout and therefore no perspiration possible.

The circulation of defensive Qi is closely linked to sleep.
Eyes open: circulation of Wei Qi in the yang, circulation of Wei Qi in the yin when falling asleep. If Wei Qi remains in yang, the body remains active (sleep disturbances).

If Wei Qi is deficient, defenses decrease and external perversions are easily caught.
If the organic functions relax a little, the fluids will be released and there may be spontaneous sweating.
If the circulation of Wei Qi is modified, one may have sleep problems.

Nourishing Qi and defensive Qi have different functions although they are both produced by the subtle materials of food.

→ Total interdependence between Qi and the organs and viscera.

Take care of yourself 🙏🏼

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