Six Elements of  Qi

Gu Qi (Essence of Food and Grain Qi)

• Source:

• - Originates from the action of the Spleen on the food in the Stomach.

• Function:

• - Combines with Kong Qi to form Zong Qi.

• - Some aspects are also transformed into Blood.

• Distribution:

• - Arises in the ST/SP and is moved to the chest where it is further distributed.

• Relevance:

• - Good quality food and a strong ST/SP are important to generate energy.

• - Weaknesses in the SP may lead to bloating, distention, fatigue, loss of appetite, etc.

Kong Qi (Air Qi)

• Source:

• - Originates from the air received by the Lungs.

• Function:

• - Combines with Gu Qi to form Zong Qi.

• Distribution:

• - Distributed from the chest.

• Relevance:

• - Good quality air and good breathing practices are essential for the formation of energy.

Zong Qi (Gathering Qi)

• Source:

• - Combination of Gu Qi & Kong Qi.

• Function:

• - Nourish the Heart and Lungs.

• - Aids the Lungs in their role of respiration and circulating energy throughout the body.

• - Assists the Heart in circulating Blood through the vessels.

• Distribution:

• - Stored in the chest.

• Relevance:

• - With a deficiency you will see the HT and LU most effectted.

• - Low energy, weak voice, poor circulation in the extremeties, etc.

• - Can be treated with CV 17 and the yuan source points of the HT (HT 7) & LU (LU 9).

Zhen Qi (True Qi)

• Source:

• - Derived from Zong Qi when acted upon by Yuan Qi.

• Function:

• - This is the form of Qi that circulates in the meridians and nourishes the organs.

• Distribution:

• - Originates in the chest and is distributed throughout the body by respiration. - Composite of: Ying Qi & Wei Qi.

• Relevance:

• - Deficiencies indicate either an imbalance in the functioning of the creation of acquired Qi or in a declining amount of Yuan Qi.

Ying Qi (Nutritive Qi)

• Function:

• - Nourishes the organs.

• - Helps to produce Blood.

• Distribution:

• - Circulates in the main meridians.

• - Flows with the Blood in the main meridians and within the Blood vessels.

• Relevance:

• - This is the aspect of Qi that is needled with acupuncture.

Wei Qi (Defensive Qi)

• Function:

• - Helps to protect the body.

• - Warms the surface of the body.

• - Regulates body temperature by opening a/or closing the pores.

• Distribution:

• - On the surface of the body and within the muscles and skin, but not within the meridians.

• - Circulation is dependent on the Lungs.

• Relevance:

• - People who catch colds easily/often have Wei Qi deficiency.

• - Deficiency may also make it difficult to regulate body temperature.