Qi Energy in Chinese Medicine - Yo San University (2025)

Acupuncture School Degree
Master of Acupuncture with a Chinese Herbal Medicine Specialization
Category: Chinese Medical Theory

Understanding Qi Energy

The concept of Qi (Chi) is fundamental to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Qi (氣) can be translated as “vital energy” or “life force,” and its significance is deeply embedded in Chinese culture and philosophy. The Chinese character for Qi combines “mǐ” (米), meaning “rice,” and a symbol representing “steam” or “vapor.” This imagery of steam rising from cooking rice embodies Qi’s dynamic and transformative nature, illustrating the interplay of visible and invisible forces in life and the universe. Qi in TCM represents the essential energy that sustains all living beings, emphasizing the cyclical processes of growth, decay, and renewal. Whether referred to as Qi or Chi, this vital energy is central to understanding the principles and practices of TCM.

This category is part of the
Yo San University Master’s and Doctoral Degree Program

Qi in Chinese Medicine

In TCM, Qi is the vital substance that permeates and sustains all life. The body is viewed as a complex network of pathways through which Qi flows, and health is a reflection of the strength, balance, and unobstructed flow of Qi within these pathways. There are various forms of Qi, each with specific origins and functions, such as Yuan Qi, Gu Qi, Ying Qi, and Wei Qi. These forms work in harmony to regulate the body’s physiological processes, from digestion to immunity, maintaining overall well-being.

Disease in TCM is perceived as a disruption in the flow or balance of Qi—whether through deficiency, stagnation, or imbalance. TCM treatments like acupuncture, herbal medicine, and Qi Gong aim to restore the harmonious movement of Qi, promoting healing and health. This approach aligns with the Taoist principle of living in harmony with the natural rhythms and energies of the universe.

Types of Qi in Traditional Chinese Medicine

Qi is not a singular concept but manifests in various forms that regulate different aspects of health and bodily functions. Understanding these different forms allows practitioners to effectively diagnose and treat imbalances, restoring the natural flow of energy essential for health. Here’s an exploration of the major types of Qi in TCM:

1. Yuan Qi (元气) – Original Qi / Source Qi

• Origin: Yuan Qi is derived from the prenatal Jing (Essence) and is inherited from the parents at conception. It is stored in the Kidneys.
• Function: Yuan Qi is considered the body’s vital essence and serves as the foundation of all other forms of Qi. It fuels growth, development, and the maintenance of life. Yuan Qi is also responsible for activating and driving the functions of the organs.
• Pathway: It is distributed throughout the body via the Triple Burner (San Jiao), particularly supporting the function of the Zang-Fu organs.
• Clinical Significance: Weak Yuan Qi can manifest in developmental delays, fatigue, or general weakness. It is also closely linked with kidney health.

2. Gu Qi (谷气) – Food Qi / Grain Qi

• • Origin: Gu Qi is produced by the Spleen and Stomach from the transformation of food and drink.
  • Function: It forms the foundation of the body’s postnatal energy. Gu Qi is further refined to become other forms of Qi, such as Ying Qi (Nourishing Qi) and Wei Qi (Defensive Qi), which are essential for sustaining life.
  • Pathway: Gu Qi is transported upward to the Lungs and Heart, where it is transformed into Ying Qi and Zong Qi (Gathering Qi).
  • Clinical Significance: Weak Gu Qi can lead to digestive problems, lack of energy, and malnutrition.

3. Zong Qi (宗气) – Gathering Qi / Ancestral Qi

• Origin: Zong Qi is created from the combination of Gu Qi (from food) and Qing Qi (Clean Air Qi) from the Lungs.
• Function: Zong Qi is responsible for the proper functioning of the Lungs and Heart, promoting respiration and circulation. It controls speech, the strength of the voice, and the ability to regulate breathing.
• Pathway: Zong Qi gathers in the chest (known as the “Sea of Qi”) and supports both the Lung function of inhalation and the Heart function of controlling blood circulation.
• Clinical Significance: Deficiency in Zong Qi can result in weak voice, shallow breathing, and poor circulation.

4. Wei Qi (卫气) – Defensive Qi

• Origin: Wei Qi is derived from Gu Qi and refined in the Lungs.
• Function: Wei Qi is responsible for defending the body against external pathogenic factors like wind, cold, heat, and dampness. It circulates on the surface of the body, between the skin and muscles, regulating body temperature and opening/closing the pores.
• Pathway: It is distributed primarily by the Lungs and circulates on the exterior (skin and muscles) during the day, while at night it moves inward.
• Clinical Significance: Deficiency of Wei Qi can lead to frequent colds, flu, and other infections. Its dysfunction may also lead to improper sweating and temperature regulation.

5. Ying Qi (营气) – Nutrient Qi / Nutritive Qi

• Origin: Ying Qi is derived from Gu Qi and is closely linked with Blood (Xue). It circulates within the blood vessels and the internal organs.
• Function: Ying Qi is responsible for nourishing the organs and tissues. It works more internally than Wei Qi and supports the function of Zang-Fu organs, promotes growth, and maintains overall health.
• Pathway: Ying Qi flows in the meridians and is distributed through the blood to nourish and maintain body functions.
• Clinical Significance: Weak Ying Qi can lead to anemia, poor nourishment of tissues, and general fatigue.

Questions about Yo San University?

Ask Us Now!

6. Zhen Qi (真气) – True Qi

• Origin: Zhen Qi is the most refined and usable form of Qi in the body. It is derived from Zong Qi after further refinement in the Lungs.
• Function: Zhen Qi is responsible for sustaining all the physiological functions in the body. It is divided into two forms: Ying Qi (Nutritive Qi) and Wei Qi (Defensive Qi).
• Pathway: Zhen Qi circulates through the entire body and is the final transformation of Qi from Yuan Qi, Gu Qi, and Qing Qi.
• Clinical Significance: Zhen Qi reflects the overall Qi health of the body.

7. Zhong Qi (中气) – Central Qi

• Origin: Zhong Qi refers to the Qi of the Middle Burner (Spleen and Stomach) and is closely related to postnatal Qi derived from food and drink.
• Function: It is responsible for the transportation and transformation of food and drink, and it helps maintain the upright position of the internal organs. It also plays a key role in digestion and absorption.
• Pathway: Zhong Qi is located in the middle Jiao and supports the function of the Spleen and Stomach.
• Clinical Significance: Deficient Zhong Qi can lead to prolapse of organs, weak digestion, bloating, and fatigue.

8. Jing Qi (精气) – Essence Qi

• Origin: Jing Qi is stored in the Kidneys and is derived from both prenatal Jing (inherited from parents) and postnatal Jing (produced from Gu Qi).
• Function: Jing Qi is responsible for growth, reproduction, and development. It provides the foundation for all physiological processes in the body, such as fertility, bone strength, and cognitive development.
• Pathway: Jing Qi resides in the Kidneys but influences the entire body’s functions, particularly the reproductive system and growth.
• Clinical Significance: Deficient Jing Qi may result in developmental delays, infertility, or premature aging.
  

  This category is part of the
  Yo San University Master’s and Doctoral Degree Program

9. Qing Qi (清气) – Clean Air Qi

• Origin: Qing Qi is the energy derived from the air we breathe. It is taken in by the Lungs.
• Function: Qing Qi supports respiration and works in conjunction with Gu Qi to form Zong Qi.
• Pathway: Qing Qi is absorbed by the Lungs and circulated in combination with other forms of Qi.
• Clinical Significance: Poor quality of Qing Qi, such as exposure to polluted air, can affect lung health and energy levels.

10. Xie Qi (邪气) – Pathogenic Qi

• Origin: Xie Qi refers to harmful external pathogens (such as Wind, Cold, Heat, Dampness) that can invade the body.
• Function: Xie Qi disrupts the body’s harmony and may lead to disease if it overpowers the body’s defenses (Wei Qi).
• Pathway: Xie Qi can invade the body through the skin, respiratory tract, or digestive system.
• Clinical Significance: The presence of Xie Qi can manifest as symptoms of disease, such as fever, chills, or inflammation.

Summary:

In TCM, Qi is vital for the body’s functioning and health. Each type of Qi plays a unique role in supporting bodily functions, from digestion to immunity, growth, and respiration. Proper balance and movement of these different types of Qi are critical to maintaining health, and imbalances or deficiencies can lead to various disease patterns. TCM treatments, such as acupuncture, herbs, and Qi Gong, often aim to regulate and restore the balance of Qi in the body.

Qi pattern identification

Qi pattern identification is fundamental in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for diagnosing and understanding various health conditions. Qi, often translated as “vital energy” or “life force,” flows through the body and is essential for maintaining balance and health. When Qi becomes imbalanced, it manifests in different patterns that can lead to various symptoms and diseases. Below are detailed explanations of common Qi patterns:

Qi Deficiency (气虚, Qì Xū)

Qi deficiency refers to a state where the body’s energy is insufficient to support normal physiological functions. This pattern can affect any organ but is most commonly associated with the Spleen, Lung, and Kidney.

Common Causes:

• Chronic illness
• Poor diet or malnutrition
• Overwork or excessive physical exertion
• Aging

Symptoms:

• Fatigue and weakness
• Shortness of breath, especially on exertion
• Spontaneous sweating
• Pale complexion
• Weak voice or reluctance to speak
• Poor appetite
• Loose stools
• Weak pulse

Treatment Approach:

• Tonifying Qi through acupuncture and herbal formulas.
• Dietary recommendations to strengthen the Spleen and Lung Qi, such as consuming warm, nourishing foods.

Qi Sinking (气陷, Qì Xiàn)

Qi sinking is a more severe form of Qi deficiency where the Qi lacks the strength to hold organs and tissues in their proper place. It is most often associated with Spleen Qi deficiency.

Common Causes:

• Prolonged Qi deficiency
• Chronic illness
• Prolonged standing or physical exertion

Symptoms:

• Sensation of heaviness or bearing down, particularly in the lower abdomen
• Organ prolapse (e.g., uterine prolapse, hemorrhoids)
• Chronic diarrhea or frequent, urgent bowel movements
• Dizziness
• Fatigue

Treatment Approach:

• Strengthening and raising Qi with herbal formulas that include herbs like Huang Qi (Astragalus) and Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang.
• Acupuncture points to tonify Spleen Qi and raise the Yang Qi, such as DU20 (Baihui) and ST36 (Zusanli).

Qi Stagnation (气滞, Qì Zhì)

Qi stagnation occurs when the flow of Qi is obstructed, leading to localized or systemic symptoms. It is often associated with emotional stress or lifestyle factors that impede the smooth movement of Qi.

Common Causes:

• Emotional stress (anger, frustration, resentment)
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Poor diet
• Physical trauma

Symptoms:

• Distending or wandering pain (often in the chest, hypochondrium, or abdomen)
• Emotional symptoms such as irritability, mood swings, or depression
• Sensation of fullness or oppression in the chest
• Sighing frequently
• Irregular menstruation in women
• Wiry pulse

Treatment Approach:

• Promoting the movement of Qi using acupuncture points like LV3 (Taichong) and LI4 (Hegu).
• Herbal formulas such as Xiao Yao San to soothe the Liver and relieve Qi stagnation.
• Lifestyle modifications to reduce stress and promote physical activity.

Rebellious or Counterflow Qi (逆气, Nì Qì)

Rebellious Qi occurs when the normal direction of Qi flow is disrupted, often manifesting as Qi moving in the wrong direction. Each organ has a specific direction of Qi movement, and disruption in this movement leads to different symptoms.

Common Causes:

• Emotional disturbances
• Improper diet
• Pathogenic factors like wind or cold

Symptoms by Organ:

• Lung Rebellious Qi: Cough, asthma, shortness of breath (Qi moving upwards)
• Stomach Rebellious Qi: Nausea, vomiting, belching, acid reflux (Qi moving upwards instead of downwards)
• Liver Rebellious Qi: Headaches, dizziness, irritability (Liver Qi rising upwards)
• Spleen Rebellious Qi: Diarrhea, abdominal bloating (Qi failing to ascend)

Treatment Approach:

• Correcting the flow of Qi through acupuncture points specific to the affected organ.
• Herbal formulas that help direct Qi in its proper direction, such as Ban Xia Hou Po Tang for Stomach Qi rebellion.
• Dietary and lifestyle adjustments to avoid foods or activities that exacerbate the condition.

Clinical Importance

Correctly identifying and differentiating between these Qi patterns is crucial for developing an effective treatment strategy. Acupuncture, herbal medicine, dietary therapy, and lifestyle modifications are typically employed to restore the balance and smooth flow of Qi, ultimately aiming to resolve the underlying disharmony and alleviate symptoms.

Written by Lauren Stomel, Chair of the Board, Yo San University
Lauren has been supporting the development of TCM for over 20 years and currently serves as the Chair of Yo San University.