Two vital substances circulate in the meridians of the human body: blood and vital energy, called Qi (pronounced "Chee"). The latter is a fundamental concept in the understanding and practice of TCM, a discipline that acts on the energetic sphere of the body to treat our physical and emotional disorders.
In Chinese civilization, the concept of Qi is the basis of all observable phenomena within us and around us, and allows for continuity between material energies and more refined, ethereal energies. This notion transcends the barriers of the Western view, which distinguishes the material from the subtle.
"The purest and lightest elements, which tend to rise, formed heaven; the coarsest and heaviest elements, which tend to descend, formed Earth" – Lie Zi, Taoist philosopher.
Qi is therefore considered the original substance "at the root of everything", manifesting at different degrees of materiality, including in humans. Its ideogram, composed of the symbols for rice and steam, expresses this duality: Qi manifests itself in both matter and the ethereal.
TCM Vision
Traditional Chinese Medicine considers the Body and the Spirit as the result of the interaction of vital substances. Like Heaven and Earth, these substances can be:
- material (Yin)
- ethereal (Yang)
These two natures find a single source: Qi, whose constant flow in the body experiences varying stages of aggregation.
Condensed, Qi produces a physical form: these are palpable materials, such as blood and organic fluids.
Dispersed, Qi gives more subtle forms of matter, such as Qi itself declined into various functions (protective Qi, nutritive Qi, etc.), as well as body heat.
In adherence to a Yin/Yang balance, these two states coexist in harmony. But if one takes precedence, it leads to energetic disturbances, which manifest as pathological forms. This imbalance can be caused by internal factors (emotions), external factors (climate), or various others (stings, bites, accidents, etc.). The disorder then settles in the Body and the Spirit, true links between terrestrial and celestial energies.
Without restoring this balance, the being cannot evolve in harmony in its universe! It is therefore essential to preserve our vital substance reserves, of which Qi is the source. TCM offers us the means to do so.
