Types of Qi

There are so many different types of Qi in the body that it blows the mind. Read about some of them in this post!

Qi is such a vastly complex subject in Qigong theory and Chinese medicine that it deserves at least some explanation in this blog. I’ve had writing this in my mind for some time, but it’s difficult to condense what is best explained in an entire book into a single blog post. Nevertheless, part of my mission with this blog is to demystify topics in Qigong theory and as I describe a number of different types of Qi in my classes, it seems high time to publish this post.

In the acupuncture clinic or to simplify when teaching Qigong, I use the term Qi (氣) very broadly as a single entity. But there are in fact multiple different types of qi. Particularly in clinic, I’ll talk a lot about organ Qi (think: Liver Qi, Spleen Qi, Lung Qi, etc.). These terms refer to the Qi within the individual organ systems and their unique energetic nature. That’s a whole different topic unto itself. Outside of these systems, there are actually another 10 types of Qi! Since I refer to a lot of these in beginning and advanced classes, let’s spend some time unpacking them.

Yuan Qi (原氣)- Source Qi

This is our original Qi, derived from the Jing inherited from our parents at birth. Yuan Qi is stored in the kidneys and represents the seat of our vitality and longevity. All other types of Qi in the body are derived from this precious source. When we practice patterns like Carrying the Moon, Nourishing Kidneys, or advanced exercises like Dantian Breathing, we are working on this energy.

Jing Qi (精氣)- Essence Qi

The primordial Jing that we inherit from our parents combines with Gu Qi (discussed below) to form Jing Qi. This precious substance is the base of all of our reproductive functions and development. It is also the base of all our cognitive functions as it is said that kidney essence fills up the brain to drive thought and intellect. This is also supported by patterns that benefit Source Qi.

Gu Qi (榖氣)- Food Qi

Gu Qi is the Qi made by our spleen and stomach from the food and drink we take in. While the various types of Qi made in the kidneys are considered pre-natal energy, Gu Qi is the energy that sustains us after birth. It is the basis of other refined types of Qi. The health of our spleen and stomach determine the quality of Gu Qi made, which is why I’m always banging on about eating soup and drinking warm water to keep these organ systems happy. The patterns taught in Qigong for Healthy Metabolism all work on the spleen and stomach, thereby improving the quality of Gu Qi.

Zhong Qi (中氣)- Central Qi

Zhong Qi is a further refined substance beyond Gu Qi and is the primary Qi at work within the spleen and stomach. It plays a central role in digestion and nutrient extraction of everything we consume. It also helps to hold all the organs up in the abdominal and pelvic cavity.

Qing Qi (清氣)- Clear Qi

As we derive post-natal energy from food and drink, so too do we derive it from the air we breathe, which is Qing Qi. Qing Qi supports our breathing, and can be impacted by poor air quality, ultimately impacting our lungs. This makes sense when you consider how different your practice feels out in nature compared to in the city. Qing Qi combines with Gu Qi to make another important type of Qi, called Zong Qi.

Zong Qi (宗氣)- Gathering Qi

Gu Qi and Qing Qi combine and gather in the chest to form Zong Qi, which is the motive force for the beating of the heart and expanding and contracting of the lungs- or all of our breathing. It sustains us through all of our activities. In our practice, patterns like Lifting and Sky and Separating Water are excellent ways to support this Qi.

Zhen Qi (真氣)- True Qi

Zhen Qi is formed from refined Zong Qi and is the Qi that flows in our 12 primary meridians and 8 extraordinary meridians. It is the most usable form of Qi in the body and its levels are a reflection of our overall health. Zhen Qi finally divides into Ying Qi and Wei Qi.

Wei Qi (衛氣)- Defensive Qi

You’ll hear me talk about this a LOT in clinic and class. Wei Qi flows within the skin and muscles and protects us from exterior pathogens. It’s basically the Chinese medicine equivalent of your immune system (with gross oversimplification). Those sore and stiff muscles you get when you’re coming down with something? That’s your Wei activating and rushing to the surface of your body to fend off the pathogen. As a derivative of Zhen Qi, Wei Qi is also supported by Qigong patterns that benefit Zong Qi.

Ying Qi (營氣)- Nutritive Qi-

I’m not sure why this always gets translated as Nutritive Qi. In Chinese, Ying means to operate or run, typically with military functions. Ying Qi works deep in the organs and blood vessels to support all of their functions. We can also think of this like an aspect of our immune systems.

Xie Qi (邪氣)- Pathogenic Qi-

Xie Qi is not internal, but rather, represents all of the pathogenic factors that attack the body: bacteria, viruses, environmental toxins, and the like. Expelling Xie Qi is one of the reasons why we keep an open mouth in practice, and why we generally breathe out by it.

So, you can see that Qi is a much more complicated subject than just the blanket statement ‘it is energy’. Fortunately for our practice, we don’t need to worry about such fine details, we simply practice to the best of our abilities consistently and with joy. But the nice thing about such intellectual dalliances such as this is that it can bring a depth of understanding that enriches our practice. Did you learn anything new from this post or anything that helps your practice? Let me know in the comments!