Qi: The Unifying Force Connecting Everyone and Everything

The Chinese call this holistic well, qi (pronounced chee). Friends, understand that classical feng shui is the study of qi. While no word in the English language can accurately describe qi, in popular mythology, qi is synonymous with "energy," a natural or intellectual power that exerts activity. For example, there's solar energy. The sun's rays give light, provide warmth, and help to foster growth. Natural energy resources like oil and gas provide fuel for industry and transportation, and heat for our homes. Nutrition affords us physical energy. With sustenance we thrive and feel energetic. Without it, we are drained of our energy. And then, we have electromagnetic energy, one of the fundamental forces of nature, galvanizing and unifying the growth and development of all living forms. So, is qi a source of energy "discovered" by the ancient Chinese? No, qi is not a mysterious energy.

Energy, in all of its various forms, is just one aspect of qi we understand through sensory perception (the five senses of sight, smell, taste, hearing, and touch). Actually, qi underlies energy. Qi is an information field that gives energy its impetus to move and change. In fact, qi is the underlying, holistic, and vital force at the center of all things--hyperspace, the sun, a seashell, your pet, and you. If we describe qi as an energy flow, we deny its metaphysical qualities (since these are not recognizable to sensory reality). Intuition, fate, dreams, and hunches--surely, we agree these things are real, but can we prove their existence?

A good way qi can be best characterized is as "life breath" or "cosmic breath." The following are some qualities the Chinese attribute to qi that will help to foster a better understanding of this enigmatic concept:

The idea that there is a holistic and interactive force of nature is not just an exclusive Chinese concept. Cultures all over the world believe in an imperceptible and nourishing force that underlies life. Each culture has its own term. For instance, the Indians call a vital force "prana." It is known as "ankh" to the Egyptians; "ruah" to the Hebrews; "tane" to the Hawaiians; and "arunquiltha" to the Australian aborigine.

Qi Around the World

Western scientists also have a name for this connective force. The following is how several celebrated historical figures of the Western world defined a vital force that influences our well-being:

After reviewing the preceding historical suggestions of qi, you'll notice the notion of a pervasive, unified, and healing force becomes less mystical and incomprehensible and more accepted, understood, and quantifiable. Through various precise measurements and scientific experiments, many Western medical pioneers have come to believe that electromagnetic energy is the holistic and curative dynamic behind biological processes. Although space restricts a full accounting of other modern theories pertinent to qi, understand that the physical and quantifiable presence of electromagnetism (and anything else) describes only one aspect of qi. Remember, the notion of qi has other qualities incapable of being measured through sensory perception.