Qi (pronounced chee) has been roughly translated into English simply as ‘energy'. However, the word/Chinese character for Qi can take on various meanings within different contexts, combining with other characters to represent a myriad of energies both within the body and beyond.
When looking through the lens of Taoist philosophy, we see Qi as one of the three primary Treasures or “Original Substances”, along with Jing (Essence) and Shen (Spirit), those of which our human nature is comprised.
As the second Treasure, Qi is most simply summed up and perceived as our vitality. Our Qi energy is responsible for the animation of our physical body (Jing), it is the force that governs all bodily function and thought. Qi energy provides nourishment and protection to the body, cells and primary organs.
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