The 8 Types of Qi Explained: A Guide to Vital Energy in Chinese Medicine

The Ephemeral Qi; the Substantial Qi

Qi is not merely an abstract concept or mystical energy. Although often shrouded in New Age mythos in the West, qi is simply—yet profoundly—a term for energy. In the Chinese language, qi (氣) is used in common phrases: weather is referred to as 天氣 (tiān qi), and anger as rising qi (dú qì). In Chinese Medicine, qi represents a multifaceted, dynamic force within all living things. It is both ephemeral and substantial. For example, industrial waste gas is fèi qi (廢氣), while one’s personal conviction or resolve is expressed as lǐ zhí qi zhuàng (理直氣壯).

So, what does this mean for us? In reflecting on our own Qi, we can consider four primary aspects:

1. The quality of our Qi;
2. The movement of our Qi;
3. The sources and types of our Qi;
4. How we manage our Qi.

The Quality and Movement of Our Qi

The quality and flow of Qi can be directly tied to health and wellness. In Chinese Medicine, practices like Qi Gong and Tai Chi serve to refine (or improve) the quality of Qi, promoting unobstructed flow throughout the body’s meridians. Practitioners believe Qi Gong helps achieve the "six no worries":

1. No worry about food;
2. No worry about bodily needs;
3. No worry about sleep;
4. No worry about energy levels;
5. No worry about sexuality;
6. No worry about emotions.

These “no worries” come from refined, flowing Qi within our bodies. While this might sound abstract, many of us have experienced moments of perfect alignment—a peaceful, contented state when everything feels just right. Qi Gong aims to cultivate this sense of harmony on a lasting basis.

The Sources and Types of Our Qi

In Classical Chinese Medicine (CCM) and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Qi (氣) goes beyond a simple concept of energy. It is the sum of vital substances and dynamic forces that sustain all life. Qi, in its most profound sense, symbolizes the fundamental life force that exists in all living beings.

Recognizing the sources and various types of Qi within our bodies can shed light on how our vitality and health are sustained and influenced. Here, we explore the eight primary types of Qi and their unique origins.

The 8 Types of Qi

Yuán Qì (原气) – Original Qi

Yuán Qì, or Original Qi, is a core concept in both Classical Chinese Medicine (CCM) and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Understanding Yuan Qi allows insight into Jing (Essence) and how it transforms into Qi within the body.

Yuan Qi exists in two forms: prenatal and postnatal. Prenatal Yuan Qi, inherited from our parents (50% maternal, 50% paternal), cannot be replenished, although its quality can be maintained. Conversely, it can be depleted by stress, illness, or stimulant use. Postnatal Yuan Qi, replenished daily, acts as an energy reserve we draw upon for motivation and stamina.

Yuan Qi represents the conversion of Jing (our essence) into Qi, with a foundation in Yin and Yang within us. Its quality is influenced by the Yuan Qi of our parents, merging Chinese medicine’s principles with modern epigenetics. Rooted in the Kidneys, Yuan Qi flows throughout the body’s meridians via the San Jiao, or Triple Burner.

Main Sources of Yuán Qì:

1. Prenatal Yuan Qi: Inherited from our parents.
2. Postnatal Yuan Qi: Generated from food (Gu Qi) and air (Zong Qi) after birth.

Main Functions of Yuán Qì:

1. Foundation of vitality and life force.
2. Drives the activity of internal organs.
3. Facilitates Qi transformations, such as Zong Qi into Zhen Qi.
4. Vital for Blood production, aiding in the transformation of Gu Qi into Blood.

A deep understanding of Yuán Qì encourages choices that nurture and conserve this essential energy, including lifestyle and stress management.

Gǔ Qì (谷气) – Food Qi

Gǔ Qì, or Food Qi, represents the energy derived from what we consume. Through this transformation, the energy of the earth (Earth Qi) is integrated into our bodies, establishing a direct connection between our diet and our Qi.

Digestion transforms food into Gu Qi. In Chinese medicine, this process begins with “rotting and ripening” in the stomach, where food is prepared for further absorption. The Stomach performs this initial transformation, sending partially processed food to the Spleen, where it becomes Gu Qi.

Gu Qi moves from the Spleen and Stomach (Middle Burner) to the Lungs and Heart (Upper Burner), where it combines with air to produce Zong Qi, aided by Yuan Qi. Part of Gu Qi also reaches the Heart, where it transforms into Blood.

Main Sources of Gǔ Qì:

1. Food and drink, transformed by digestive processes in the Stomach and Spleen.

Main Functions of Gǔ Qì:

1. Foundation of Qi production within the body.
2. Provider of essential nutrients and energy.
3. Critical for Blood production, contributing to vitality.

By understanding Gǔ Qì, we appreciate the direct impact of our diet on energy levels, underscoring the importance of nutrient-rich food.

Zōng Qì (宗气) – Gathering Qi

Zong Qi, or Gathering Qi, arises from the fusion of Gu Qi and air Qi in the Lungs. Essential for nourishing the Heart and Lungs, it sustains the body’s involuntary actions, such as heartbeat and respiration.

Zong Qi assists the Lungs with respiration and the Heart with blood circulation. A reciprocal flow exists with Yuan Qi, where Zong Qi moves downward to the Kidneys while Yuan Qi rises to aid in respiration.

Zong Qi is responsive to emotional states. Practices like meditation, Qi Gong, and regular exercise help balance emotional well-being, which in turn enhances Zong Qi.

Main Sources of Zōng Qì:

1. Gu Qi: Produced from food intake, refined in the Stomach and Spleen.
2. Air Qi: Obtained from respiration and combined with Gu Qi in the Lungs.

Main Functions of Zōng Qì:

1. Heart and Lung nourishment.
2. Regulation of heartbeat and breathing.
3. Emotional resilience and overall vitality.

Understanding Zōng Qì highlights the importance of nutrition and breathing practices in overall health.

Zhēn Qì (真气) – True Qi

Zhēn Qì, or True Qi, is the refined form of Qi that sustains life and health. Yuan Qi aids in transforming Zong Qi into Zhen Qi, which circulates to nourish the organs through the body’s channels.

Zhen Qi divides into Ying Qi (Nutritive Qi), which nourishes organs, and Wei Qi (Protective Qi), which defends the body from external pathogens.

Main Sources of Zhēn Qì:

1. Zong Qi, refined with Yuan Qi’s help.

Main Functions of Zhēn Qì:

1. Nourishment and circulation through the body’s meridians.

Understanding Zhēn Qì emphasizes the importance of practices that support continuous Qi transformation for well-being.

Yíng Qì (营气) – Nutritive Qi

Ying Qi nourishes the body by circulating alongside Blood within the channels. Ying Qi responds directly to acupuncture and therapeutic massage, which enhance its flow and support well-being.

Main Functions of Yíng Qì:

1. Nourishment of internal organs and circulation with Blood.

Ying Qi ensures that the body receives necessary nutrients, highlighting the importance of practices that maintain its flow.

Wèi Qì (卫气) – Protective Qi

Wei Qi, or Protective Qi, is the body’s defense against external pathogens. It resides primarily in the skin and muscles and is quickly mobilized to provide protection.

Main Functions of Wèi Qì:

1. Defense against pathogens, support for emotional resilience.

Recognizing the importance of Wei Qi brings attention to maintaining physical and emotional health.

Zhōng Qì (中气) – Central Qi

Zhong Qi, or Central Qi, governs the digestive system, originating in the Stomach and Spleen. Essential for nutrient transport and organ stability, Zhong Qi underpins digestive health.

Main Functions of Zhōng Qì:

1. Stomach and Spleen Qi, vital for digestive health.

Supporting Zhong Qi helps ensure nutrient absorption and internal stability.

Zhèng Qì (正气) – Upright Qi

Zhèng Qì, or Upright Qi, is the body’s general defensive Qi. Reflecting the strength and balance of all types of Qi, Zhèng Qì is central to immune defense.

Main Functions of Zhèng Qì:

1. Immune strength and disease resistance.

Understanding Zhèng Qì reinforces the importance of lifestyle choices that promote immune strength and balance.

Final Thoughts from the Herbalist

Ultimately, how we manage, spend, and preserve our Qi is deeply personal. Choices about Qi impact our attention, energy, and vitality. As an example, coffee taps into our Prenatal Yuan Qi, a limited reserve, making it essential to consider when to spend and when to conserve Qi.

This article was originally published on February 2nd, 2015, under the title "What is Qi?" and updated on May 9th, 2024.