CHI
The Chinese believe that energy flows through the human body continuously. This is a vital motivating force that burns like fuel through one’s life. It is called Qi or CHI or Vital energy. Indian philosophers call it Prana. Indian yogis call it Pranawayu. In theosophy or Anthropology, it is called Ether or etheric body. As long as Chi or prana or Prana vayu exists in the body, the heartbeats, and the brain functions, the lungs breathe and the whole organism lives as a miracle. This principle of prana is quite similar to the traditional Chinese concept of Qi or Chi or the energy of life.
The Qi is universal and is present at all times. In the case of death, the flow of Qi ceases. Qi permeates all living cells and tissues in the body and pervades the entire universe. It is an invisible force responsible for all the activities of life. It cannot be seen or measured but can be felt. As energy is used continuously in the body, it is also formed continuously by 2 factors.
- Intrinsic: From digested and assimilated food products inside the body
- Extrinsic: Oxygen and water taken from outside
Energy which is applicable to the human body is called vital energy. In other words, Qi which can be manipulated with the acupuncture needle is called ‘jing –qi’ or vital energy which circulates in the meridians. The life process is activated and maintained by the energy or the vital force. The law of nature is formed by the behavior of this vital force e.g. rhythm, periodicity, polarization, and depolarization. The human body carries a certain amount of Qi at birth. This quota of energy given to one’s body is definite {say x + y}. The energy of the internal circuit cannot be created or eliminated, only transformed from one place to another. It is depleted by the daily activities of the body and augmented by the intake of food andair. Depletion or reinforcement, when in balance, maintain growth and health but imbalance results in ill health and the absence of energy are death. Purpose of acupuncture is to balance the imbalanced energy by giving needles at acupuncture points.