The Theory of Qi
Qi, which is loosely translated as “vital energy,” is the actual basis of TCM. According to TCM, Qi is the energy that permeates everything and gives it life. Qi moves along meridians, or energy corridors, throughout the human body. The body is made up of twelve primary meridians; it is via this network that Qi moves throughout the body and that the various organs communicate with one another. Because of this, maintaining the meridians’ clarity is essential for the body’s self-regulating processes to function. People can acquire the sensitivity to perceive the flow of Qi with the right training.
The term “Qi” has a deeper meaning even if it is frequently used in the West to refer to vitality or vital energy. Two aspects of qi exist: conscious intellect or information, and energy, power, or force. Each Organ System contains its own distinct Qi, which enables it to carry out its own tasks, both energetically and physically (which Eastern medicine can determine). The interaction of an Organ System with other Organs is also a part of its energetic function. (Organ is capitalised here to differentiate between the Western idea of the physical organ and the TCM concept of an Organ System and its functions.)
TCM regularly brings up a number of significant Qi, or energy function, issues. One is a general “Qi deficiency,” often known as chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) in Western medicine. TCM is also capable of identifying the Organs that are lacking in energy. “Qi stagnation,” which refers to the inability of energy and knowledge to freely travel to or from their proper locations, is another serious ailment. For instance, according to TCM, Qi stagnation is the cause of discomfort, headaches, and stomachaches.
According to TCM theory, blood and Qi go hand in hand. The “mother” of Qi is blood; it transports Qi and supplies nourishment for its movement. Qi is the “commander” of the blood in turn. Accordingly, Qi is the energy that causes blood to circulate throughout the body and provides the wisdom that directs it to the appropriate locations. Additionally influencing one another, blood and qi have the dynamic capacity to exchange a variety of qualities. For instance, a woman may get a temperature after giving birth. According to TCM, this fever is caused by blood loss rather than an illness. An excessive blood loss results in a lack of Qi all around. The body cannot operate effectively when there is a Qi shortage, which manifests as a fever.
A Modern Theory of Qi
In his seminal book “The Bioelectric Body,” Dr. Robert O. Becker, M.D., makes the argument that qi is in fact a characteristic of our perineural system, the insulation of our nervous system, which has its own direct current (DC) system as opposed to our nervous system, both central and autonomic, which exists as an alternating current (AC) system. The myelin sheath, which encases each of our nerves or neurons and enables appropriate transmission, is part of the perineural system. Although it operates more simply than our AC nervous system, the DC perineural system has a significant impact on our general function and health.