What is Qi?
According to Chinese thought, "Qi" is the fundamental substance of the universe and all phenomena are a result of the changes and movement of "Qi". In traditional Chinese medicine, "Qi" represents the essential substances of the human body and the activity of all the body organs. As an example this would be the "Qi" of the heart, liver, kidneys, and lungs. All activities of the human body can be explained by either changes or the movement of "Qi".
"Qi" can be further classified into subcategories such as primary, pectoral, nutrient, and defensive. We inherit some of our "Qi" from our parents and this is called "congential Qi". Other "Qi", such as nutrient and defensive, are actually derived from the foods we eat and are considered to be "aquired Qi". What is important to understand is that the different types are all interrelated and dependent upon each other in order for the "Qi" to flow throughout the body properly. Having an abudance of "Qi" and being able to maintain the proper flow of "Qi" is the basis of good health. When "Qi" is abundant and flowing without disruption, the human body will be healthy and rarely suffer from disease. It will be strong both emotionally, mentally and physically. Qi flows throughout the body along meridians, much like water flows through a network of rivers and lakes bringing nutrition and energy to the cells, tissues, organs, muscles and tendons. However, this flow of Qi can become blocked or damaged if a person undergoes trauma(emotional or physical), overexertion, improper or poor diet, lack of exercise as examples. This blockage of qi is like a dam, and without vital energy being able to flow the body is predisposed illness and disease and an unhealthy state. With Acupuncture and other methods of Traditional Chinese Medicine we can unlock the blockage of "Qi" and restore the flow of vital energy throughout, thus returning the body to a healthy emotional and physical state.