What is Chi?
Chi / Ch’i / Qi / Ki / Prana / Pneuma
The Chinese calligraphy of the word Chi is of steam coming off a rice pot
- seen as the energy of life -
The Chinese character shown above translates as Chi, it is formed of two elements; 1) air, breath, steam and 2) rice, grains. This symbolises how ‘something’ can be both material and immaterial, matching the theory of yin and yang. It is seen as a universal life force, the primary source of everything living in the cosmos.
The concept of Qi is not easily translated into the English language. View over some examples below.
Traditional Chinese Medicine – Internal Energy / Essence
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chi is identified as ‘energy’ and used in practices such as acupuncture, Chinese dietetics, moxibustion, medical Qi Gong. The aim is to aid the flow of Qi in the body by removing blockages and stagnation by a particular modal, aiming to improve health, happiness and longevity of the physical, psychological and spiritual body.
External Energy / Essence
Seen as the energy that surrounds us. A non tangible ever-present energy force that gives life and breath. Chi does not have a form, it is not matter and is not an expression of energy like kinetic energy. Chi is in the air, the atmosphere, all living beings and life. It circulates around like blood, always present in everyone and everything. Chi is free-flowing, can become stagnant in the environment, and is not spread evenly in any one space or area.
Space weather
Space weather, solar radiation and geomagnetic fields are invisible forces that have an influence on planet earth and its inhabitants.
Air Flow
Examples would be air flow, a breeze, a gust of wind, wind, gales, tornados etc. If there is a bridge over a valley, you will usually see a sign advising to be careful of cross winds, this is a great example of how an invisible force can have an effect. Or consider a wall in your garden, if the wall is high & solid the air flow will reach the wall, shoot up the wall and with almost the same strength come over the wall. However with a line of trees, the air flow will reach the trees and dissipate through the other side at a lesser speed. In the home, when the back door and front door are open, do you notice a vacuum effect? Good examples of how to manipulate air flow. In basic climatic, town planning & architectural design; corridors, tunnels, straight lines encourage air to pass through at a quicker rate as there are not any obstructions. This could be labelled as fast-moving Chi. We all know the effects of a wind tunnel and how powerful wind can be. This would not be favourable heading towards your front garden.
Modern Day Chi
Chi was the name given to these concepts by the Chinese, that has since been renamed, deducted, studied and marketed badly. Whatever Chi is, it was something the Chinese were able to identify and successfully manipulate.
Science vs Belief
The term energy is used in science as something that is measurable e.g. kinetic energy. Whereas energy used in some forms of spiritualism is based on belief and cannot be measured e.g. dowsing for negative energy lines in the home.
What is Chi?
I use the word Chi as a term. It does not need to be identified to use or manipulate. External Chi cannot be measured and it will probably remain just a concept during my lifetime.You are free to decide your own theory, as your outlook may be different from mine. The label doesn’t really matter, it’s what benefits can be achieved by manipulating Chi flow within Feng Shui that counts. Feng Shui Consultants manipulate the surrounding environment to reduce Chi blockages and stagnation and enhance favourable Chi into a property. Much like boats use sails to travel the seas.
Go back to the Feng Shui Resources main page
Return from What is Chi to the homepage
