chi

Chi, also spelled qi, is a central concept in East Asian philosophy and traditional Chinese culture, referring to a vital energy, life force, or breath that animates living beings and pervades the cosmos. The character qi/chi implies air, vapor, and energy, and is treated as a dynamic principle that can be cultivated, balanced, and directed within the body and in the wider environment.

In Daoist philosophy, qi is the fundamental substance of the universe, circulating through the body along meridians and interacting with yin and yang. Practices such as breathing techniques, meditation, and internal alchemy aim to refine and harmonize qi, aligning the human microcosm with the macrocosm.

In traditional Chinese medicine, health is viewed as the smooth flow and balanced quantity of qi. Illness is believed to arise from qi stagnation, deficiency, or disruption. Therapeutic approaches—acupuncture, herbal medicine, qigong, tai chi, massage, and lifestyle adjustments—seek to regulate qi and restore balance.

In martial arts, many styles emphasize cultivating and circulating qi to enhance strength, speed, and stamina. Internal arts focus on developing expressive, controlled qi, while external styles may stress physical conditioning. Concepts such as the dantian (an energy center) are often cited as reservoirs for qi.

In modern Western contexts, qi is frequently discussed as an energy metaphor or spiritual idea. Scientific evaluations have not demonstrated qi as a measurable physical force, and explanations often frame qi-related practices in terms of physiological, neurobiological, or psychosomatic processes. The meaning and emphasis of qi vary across historical periods and traditions.