Fig. 2-1 The application of essential qi theory
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Essential qi theory is one of the basic theories in TCM about qi. It states that the essential part of qi constitutes the body and maintains the activities of life, visceral function* and metabolism*.
Ancient Chinese medical practitioners used essential qi theory for the four basic purposes listed in Fig. 2-1.
Fig. 2-1 The application of essential qi theory
According to this theory, human life is originated by the movement of heaven qi* and earth qi, and benefits from* the qi of the four seasons. Qi moves with energy and the movement of qi provides power for organs and tissues to carry out their functional activities. Without the actions and changes of qi there would be no life and life activities. In fact, through qi dynamics*, the human body inhales* the clear qi (fresh air) and exhales* the stale qi*, thus it achieves gas exchange* between the atmosphere and the human body. Through the movement of heart qi, the heart maintains the circulation* of blood.* Once qi ceases* to move, life comes to an end and the body withers away*.
As mentioned above, the normal life activities of the human body depend on the sufficient and regular movement of qi. In other words, if essential qi is sufficient and the dynamic is normal, organs and tissues can remain in a dynamic state* of coordination and balance, and life activities can be performed properly. On the contrary, if qi is insufficient or the qi dynamic is in disorder, it may fail to perform its normal functions, giving rise to* diseases. Thus, based on this theory, various pathological changes are attributed to* the abnormality of the qi dynamic and this qi abnormality is manifested in* various ways, such as qi deficiency, qi stagnation, qi counterflow, qi fall*, qi block and qi collapse.
The physiological functions and pathological changes of the internal organs are always reflected on the surface of the body. By observing the surface of the body, TCM doctors can give proper diagnosis of qi conditions of the body organs and tissues, and then treatment can be provided. For example, to treat the condition of qi deficiency, qi tonifying method is applied.
As life activities of the human body depend on the normal movement of qi, it is essential to maintain an abundance of healthy qi* and to keep the qi dynamic free. TCM doctors invented many practical methods to maintain qi sufficiency and its smooth movement, including regulating emotions and doing some exercises.