Key Takeaways:
What is Qi and How It Supports Physical and Emotional Well-Being
- Qi is the body’s vital energy, flowing through the meridians to support organ function, circulation, and internal balance.
- Qi performs six essential functions, namely transforming, transporting, holding, raising, protecting, and warming, to promote physical and emotional well-being.
- Yuan Qi (Primordial Qi), Gu Qi (Food Qi), Zong Qi (Gathering Qi), and Zhen Qi (True Qi) work together to sustain health.
Introduction
Daily life in Singapore often moves at a quick pace. Long work hours, heavy screen use, and irregular rest can slowly build up physical tension and mental strain. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), these discomforts are viewed not as isolated issues, but as signs of disrupted Qi (气). When people ask what Qi is, practitioners explain that it forms the foundation of many Traditional Chinese therapies for wellness modalities. These may include TCM tui na, meridian-based treatments, and herbal support.
In this article, we explore the role of Qi and how its balance contributes to overall well-being.
What is Qi
Qi is the vital energy that flows through the meridians and supports the body’s organs and circulation. It also helps maintain balance across internal systems, contributing to overall physical and mental harmony.
What are the Essential Functions of Qi?
After understanding what Qi is, we can now look at the six key functions it performs according to Chinese medicine theory:
- Transforming: Guides the conversion of food, air, and fluids into substances the body can use.
- Transporting: Moves nutrients, blood, and energy through the meridians and organs.
- Holding: Maintains the stability of tissues and prevents unnecessary leakage of fluids.
- Raising: Supports upright posture and lifts clear Qi to the head for clarity and alertness.
- Protecting: Helps form a defensive layer at the body’s surface.
- Warming: Regulates temperature and supports vitality.
What are the Different Types of Qi and Their Roles?
Qi is not a single form of energy. Instead, it is divided into several types based on source and purpose, each contributing to healthy functioning.
1. Yuan Qi (Primordial Qi / 元气)
Inherited from one’s parents and stored in the kidneys, Yuan Qi forms the foundation of all Qi in the body. It fuels organ activity, supports vitality through the Ming Men (Gate of Vitality), and helps transform Gu Qi into Blood and Zong Qi into Zhen Qi. Yuan Qi also emerges at the Source Points through the San Jiao (Triple Burner), making it a central force in maintaining overall energetic balance.
2. Gu Qi (Food Qi / 谷气)
Gu Qi is produced during digestion by the stomach and spleen. It serves as the base for other forms of Qi and plays a part in supporting the body’s energy processes. Gu Qi also combines with air in the lungs to create Zong Qi, while contributing to the production of blood for overall vitality.
3. Zong Qi (Gathering Qi / 宗气)
Formed from the combination of Gu Qi and air, Zong Qi gathers in the chest and supports the functions of the heart and lungs. It supports steady breathing and circulation while also contributing to vocal strength. Notably, Zong Qi is sensitive to emotions such as grief, which may disrupt its flow.
4. Zhen Qi (True Qi / 真气)
This is a refined form of Qi created from Yuan Qi and Zong Qi. It flows through the meridians and divides into two main types. The first is Ying Qi (Nutritive Qi / 营气), which nourishes the organs and tissues. Meanwhile, Wei Qi (Defensive Qi / 卫气) circulates near the body’s surface. It is essential for regulating temperature and controlling the pores, helping shield the body from external influences.
Common acupoints used to support Ying Qi include:
- ST36 (Zúsānlǐ / 足三里)
- SP6 (Sānyīnjiāo / 三阴交)
Why Is It Important to Balance Qi
Understanding what Qi is also means recognising how its balance affects overall well-being. For the body to function optimally, all forms of Qi must be abundant, steady, and flowing harmoniously through the meridians. When Qi is aligned, TCM practitioners believe that Yin and Yang remain stable, supporting both physical comfort and emotional clarity.
However, when Qi becomes weak, stagnant, or imbalanced, the body may show signs of discomfort or longer-term concerns. As such, individuals may experience stiffness, tiredness, or reduced focus, prompting many to seek Qi stagnation relief through gentle TCM practices that guide the body back toward a harmonious state.
To support a balanced Qi flow, TCM may use herbal formulations to nourish specific types of Qi, while moxibustion and tui na in Singapore can help ease stagnation. Practices such as Qi Gong and mindful breathing also encourage the natural strengthening of Qi.
What is Liang Yi TCM’s Approach to Qi Balancing
For individuals exploring Traditional Chinese therapy for wellness, understanding Qi provides clarity on how the body responds to stress and lifestyle demands. At Liang Yi TCM, treatments draw from classical TCM knowledge to support the meridians and guide Qi movement.
1. Five Elements Meridian Treatment (60 min)
This session is rooted in the Five Elements theory, which examines the relationship between organs, emotions, and meridian flow. A practitioner observes patterns, lifestyle habits, and symptoms to identify which element may be out of balance. Herbal-infused essential oils are applied to key meridian points to support circulation. Complementing this, manual techniques help ease tightness and discomfort caused by blocked Qi, offering a supportive environment for deeper relaxation.
2. Meridian Bojin Therapy (30 / 60 min)
This therapy uses ox horn tools and kneading techniques to release deeper layers of tension and stagnation. It may be considered for concerns such as body aches, water retention, digestive irregularities, constipation, or disrupted sleep. Pressure is adjusted gently based on each area’s sensitivity, supporting comfort while helping the body restore its natural flow.
Our consultations are tailored to each person’s body condition, with TCM clinics in Tampines and other accessible locations such as Clarke Quay. Visiting one of our centres allows individuals to receive guidance on Qi flow restoration.
Contact us to schedule an appointment.