Chi, also spelled Qi, is a concept that has its roots in traditional Chinese culture and is believed to be the vital life force or energy that runs through all living beings. It is often described as the purest energy that arises out of consciousness, awareness, and stillness, and flows through the body and all expressions of life. The word "chi" is a polysemous word that can be translated as "vital energy," "vital force," "material energy," or simply as "energy".
In traditional Chinese medicine, chi is the central underlying principle and is thought to run through energy pathways in the body known as meridians. When the body is out of balance, TCM practitioners look at what symptoms are occurring and what chi pattern is presenting itself. Various practices including Qigong, Tai Chi, yoga, pranayama (breathing exercises), acupuncture, and working with marma points all work to support the free flow of chi or prana.
Chi is also manifested into what we put out into the world. For example, in our interactions with others, being present with partners and children, or through expressing ourselves through art, music, poetry, or other creative outlets.
When our chi is unbalanced, we can feel unhappy and distressed. By balancing our chi, we can smoothen out our emotions and reach a more satisfying mental state. Balancing and enhancing our chi enables us to boost our creativity and productivity. We can optimize our health by allowing chi to become balanced throughout our bodies.
In summary, chi is a concept that describes the vital life force or energy that runs through all living beings. It is a central underlying principle in traditional Chinese medicine and is thought to run through energy pathways in the body known as meridians. Various practices including Qigong, Tai Chi, yoga, pranayama, acupuncture, and working with marma points all work to support the free flow of chi or prana.