What is "Qi"

Pronounced "chee" in the western dialect, Qi is an ancient word that refers to the unseen element that animates and is interwoven into all things....

Qi

noun

: vital energy that animates the body, mind and spirit

: the life force or essence within all living beings

: is of central importance in Eastern systems of medical treatment such as Acupuncture; and of exercise or self-defense such as Tai Chi and Qi Gong.

: Literally translated as "rarified air"

: the relationship between all things

: referring to the electrical nature of our bodies; the unseen movement and connections; a concept similar to oxygen in eastern philosophy.

: there are many types of "Qi" relating to and governing mental, physical, spiritual and emotional health

: is similar to the concept of Prana and also a little different...

Here is an exerpt from

"The Essence of Qi"

By Qigong Master Joseph Yu and Elizabeth Moran

"No word in the English language can accurately describe qi (pronounced chee). In popular mythology, qi is synonymous with "energy," a natural or intellectual power that exerts activity. For example, there's solar energy. The sun's rays give light, provide warmth, and help to foster growth. Natural energy resources like oil and gas provide fuel for industry and transportation and heat for our homes. Nutrition affords us physical energy. With sustenance we thrive and feel energetic. Without it, we are drained of our energy. And then, we have electromagnetic energy, one of the fundamental forces of nature, galvanizing and unifying the growth and development of all living forms. So, is qi a source of energy "discovered" by the ancient Chinese? No, qi is not a mysterious energy.

Energy, in all of its various forms, is but an aspect of qi we understand through sensory perception (the five senses of sight, smell, taste, hearing, and touch). Actually, qi underlies energy. Qi is an information field that gives energy its impetus to move and change. In fact, qi is the underlying, holistic, and vital force at the center of all things--hyperspace, the sun, a seashell, your pet, and you. If we describe qi as an energy flow, we deny its metaphysical qualities (since these are not recognizable to sensory reality). Intuition, fate, dreams, and hunches--surely, we agree these things are real, but can we prove their existence?

• Qi can be best characterized as "life breath" or "cosmic breath." It is the underlying and unifying, nourishing and vital, physical and meta-physical life force at the center of all things.

• Qi is the holistic and underlying vital force and substance of everyone and everything.

• Qi is the non-measurable and imperceptible breath permeating, connecting, and uniting the cosmic, earthly, and physical realms.

• Qi is physical. It's the life force acupuncturists seek to activate with their needles and the power martial artists channel to split bricks.

• Qi is meta-physical. It is your luck, destiny, and fate. It's your intuition, the sixth sense you feel when you're "onto something." The "vibe" you get about a particular person, place, or thing.

• Qi is your spirit, your soul.

What is your relationship with Qi?

How do you Embrace your Qi on a regular basis?

What helps you to reconnect to your innate Vitality??!

Let us know below...