What is Qi?

I get this question a lot in my practice, and there isn’t an easy answer.

What is Qi? Simply, the Chinese symbol for Qi is formed by two elements: the first means air, life breath, steam or gas, and the second represents rice or grains. Those two elements coincide with the Taoist view of yin and yang—that something can be simultaneously immaterial and material.

According to ancient Chinese belief, Qi is the primary source of all living things. It’s the “energy” of transformation, responsible for all change. Hindus and yogis use the word “prana” and Greeks use “pneuma” to represent similar ideas of an all-permeating life energy.

You’ll see many pictures of flowing water in my office. That’s because, for me, it’s the best analogy for Qi. I once felt like someone had poured a cup of water on my head while receiving acupuncture. When Qi stagnates, you feel pain, and that painful area can be thought of as a place where your Qi has become swampy, like a clogged pipe. The clog needs to be removed—allowing your Qi to start flowing—for the pain to disappear. 

Acupuncturists use needles to regulate the flow of Qi in various channels throughout the body, but we also use moxibustion, diet and Qi Gong (Chinese movement therapy) to fix imbalances. So before your next appointment, spend some time identifying those pain points. Or click here to schedule a consultation. Together, we can keep your Qi flowing and help prevent, reduce or even eliminate discomfort.