| The Theory of Qi |
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| Written by Scott Tamas | |
| Thursday, 01 January 2009 | |
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The theory of Qi is the fundamental source of all knowledge on Qi to Chinese thinkers, philosophers and doctors throughout history and has profoundly affected the theory of Traditional Chinese Medicine. The original character for Qi (氣), is made of two parts. The first is (气) meaning vapor, steam or gas. The second is (米) meaning uncooked rice. By combining the two parts, the meaning of qi is that it can be ethereal, or something existing without substance but possessing observable properties. At the same time qi can be as dense and material as rice. This also indicates qi is a substance (vapor) deriving from a course one (rice), just as steam is produced by cooking rice. A common misconception is that qi is just used to mean a spiritual energy akin to electricity. Qi is often used to reference something's function as opposed to the object itself. An example is heart-qi. Heart-qi refers to the beating of the heart , or the propelling of blood through the vessels. If the heart has enough qi it will beat at a steady. eaven rhythm. If the heart does not have enough qi, it will have palpitations and irregular contractions. Content of the theory of QiQi is the Origin of the WorldThe Ancient Chinese believed the universe was originally from Qi called Wu Ji. The Qi eventually separated into two forms (Tai-Ji). One was light and clean, this became the heavens while the other was heavy and turbid. This settled downward to become the Earth. As the light and clean qi falls down and the heavy and turbid qi rises, the two meet and interact, forming everything. This is called Essential Qi. Humans, being part of the things between Heaven and Earth are made from Essential Qi. Qi is Constantly Moving and ChangingThe movement of qi is know as the functional activity of Qi, or Qi Ji (). The four basic movements are:
This movement of qi produces a number of changes. This is called the Transformation Function of Qi, or Qi Hua(气化). We see these changes in the cycle of life for all living things: Birth, growth, strengthening, decline, death. Qi is the functional Connection of Everything between Heaven and EarthChinese philosophers believe that everything in nature is made from qi, and thereby qi is fundamental connection between all things from heaven and earth to people, plants and animals. Everything in nature has relative independence, but is also connected to the greater whole and can be affected by other parts of the whole in ways that are often inexplicable. Qi makes things interact with each other. Examples include: the moon and sun affect the oceans, causing high and low tides or a magnet attracts iron. It is the dynamic nature that produces all changes in the world. All changes in species, environments, and ways of thinking reflect the movement and changes in qi. George Lucas used this concept to explain "The Force" in his Starwars films. |
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