These two concepts form what we might call the "roots" of Chinese medicine. Springing from these roots are the basic principles and theories about the dynamics of Qi and yin and yang, which form the "stems" of Chinese medicine. And resting on these principles is the rest of TCM theory and application, such as the causes of patterns of disharmony, which form the "branches.
TCM starts with the concept of Qi pronounced "chee". Life, it is said in the Chinese medical classics, is a gathering of Qi.
A healthy and happy human being is a dynamic but harmonious mixture of all the aspects of Qi that make up who we are. Qi is in a state of continuous flux, transforming endlessly from one aspect of Qi into another. It is neither created nor is it ever destroyed; it simply changes in its manifestation. In order to talk about the relationships between the various aspects and manifestations of Qi within a given context, Chinese philosophy employs the concept of yin and yang.
In the Chinese perspective, given the importance of "taking everything as a whole," all things are relative. A thing can be understood only in relation to something else. This is the essential idea behind the use of the terms yin and yang. Yin and yang are terms used to describe relative opposite qualities or manifestations of Qi. If yin is form, then yang is function. If yin is material, then yang is immaterial. Yin refers to aspects or manifestations of Qi that are relatively material, substantial, condensing, solid, heavy, descending, cold, moist, cooling, dark, passive and quiescent.
Yang refers to aspects or manifestations of Qi that are relatively immaterial, amorphous, expanding, hollow, light, ascending, hot, dry, warming, bright, aggressive, and active.
Everything that is yin contains some element of yang, and everything that is yang contains some element of yin. There is nothing so solid or material yin that does not contain some energetic vibration yang , and nothing so kinetic or immaterial yang that does not also contain some material substance yin.
Even light, so Einstein tells us, has mass. Yin and yang are continuously changing; they constantly adjust to one another, and are endlessly transforming one into the other in an eternal dance of becoming.
This wonderful concept of change is beautifully illustrated in the simple image of the "yin-yang symbol. When yin and yang are in disharmony, when there is too much or too little of one aspect of Qi relative to another, then there is illness, pain and suffering.
TCM provides guidelines for both the practitioner and patient on how to best facilitate harmony between yin and yang in any set of circumstances and how to create and circulate an abundance of Qi to sustain health and wellbeing. These are the "stems" of TCM that spring from the root concepts of Qi and yin and yang. To assist the practitioner and patient in this task, TCM offers several different perspectives on the dynamics of Qi and the interplay of yin and yang.
These different perspectives are like different types of maps of the same territory. For example, if you were trying to understand what a particular part of a country is like, you might choose a topographical map showing elevation; a geological map showing the rock and soils; a vegetation map showing forests, prairies, and swamps; a watershed map showing rivers, lakes and streams; a road map; a population density map; or even a map showing points of historical interest.
The map you chose would depend on your particular need or needs. But one map would not do it all. Likewise TCM has different "maps" that explain what is happening in the human body, according to the need.
Some of the more commonly used "maps" in TCM include:. You can click on each of the links above for more information. Read below to learn more about the last item in the list, the causes of disharmony. These causes provide insight on how you can use TCM in your life to safeguard or even improve your health. Alex US English. David US English. Mark US English. Daniel British. Libby British. Mia British. Karen Australian. Hayley Australian.
Natasha Australian. Veena Indian. Priya Indian. Neerja Indian. Zira US English. Oliver British. Wendy British. Fred US English. Tessa South African. How to say qi in sign language? Popularity rank by frequency of use qi Select another language:.
In the following weeks, we will continue the discussion of the philosophy and ideas in Traditional Chinese Medicine. If you're interested in an acupuncture career, please download our free career guide below or visit our acupuncture and oriental medicine program page. Our school is located in Miami, FL. What is Qi? What is Qi chi?
A chart of different yin-yang relationships It must be understood that yin and yang do not exist outside of each other, but rather, that they reside within each other and must be kept in proper balance.
Maintaining Balance of Qi As with yin-yang , qi needs to balance in order to maintain good health. There are four types of qi within the human body: Parental Qi : Our parental or yuan qi is the qi that is inherited from our parents at conception. After conception occurs, parental qi is stored in the kidneys. Pectoral Qi : Pectoral or zong qi is qi that is produced by breathing.
It is stored in the chest area. Nutritional Qi : Nutritional or ying qi is derived from eating foods and is responsible for the circulation nutrition throughout the body. Defensive Qi : Defensive or wei qi is responsible for protecting the body from illnesses. It is the yang of nutritional qi , meaning that it is also derived from eating foods, but serves a different purpose Qi flow chart Functions of Qi : Each of the vital substances has Five Cardinal Functions : actuation, warming, defense, containment, and transformation.
The five cardinal functions of qi are: Actuation : Qi is responsible for maintaining the vital life energy that is necessary for the body to grow and develop properly. If there is a qi deficiency, then the functional entities and vital substances will be negatively impacted, which can cause illness. Warming : Qi helps produce heat and regulates body temperature for normal functions to occur.
A deficiency in qi can result in a lowered body temperature, cold limbs, and a disposition to hot drinks, as means to combat this. Defending : Qi defends the body against external elements, such as pathogens and environmental factors that can cause illness.
Qi also regulates Jinye body fluids-sweat, saliva, etc.
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