What is Yuan Qi?

When it comes to Yuan Qi, perhaps not many people are familiar with it. Strictly speaking, the so-called Yuan Qi is just a technical term in traditional Chinese medicine, so most people don't usually know about Yuan Qi. As early as in ancient times, doctors often used vital energy to judge the health of a person. Some doctors even link vital energy with human life, believing that a strong vital energy leads to a long life, while a weak vital energy leads to a short life. So, what exactly is vitality?

Most doctors are familiar with Yuan Qi, especially Chinese medicine practitioners, who know more about it. Because the word "yuanqi" comes from ancient Chinese medicine, it is understandable that many Western doctors are not clear about the so-called "yuanqi". So, in response to this situation, let’s talk about what Yuan Qi is.

It first appeared in philosophical works of the Han Dynasty. For example, in Heguanzi Tailu, it is said that "the heaven and earth were formed by primordial qi, and all things were formed by heaven and earth"; in Lunheng, it is said that "the primordial qi was not yet divided, and chaos was one."

"The birth of all things is endowed with primordial energy"; "Baihutongyi·Heaven and Earth": "Heaven and Earth are the birthplace of primordial energy and the ancestors of all things." Liu Zongyuan of the Tang Dynasty proposed that "the vast and ignorant world will be transformed only by the primordial qi"; Wang Tingxiang of the Ming Dynasty said that "before the heaven and the earth were separated, the primordial qi was chaotic, clear and empty, and it was the six-yuan mechanism of nature", both of which were the inheritance and development of the primordial qi theory of the Han Dynasty.

Extended explanation

Yuan Qi is generated from Yuan Jing (the essence of parents), and is formed by the acquired essence of water and grain and the natural clear Qi to form Yin Qi (essence, blood, body fluids) and Yang Qi (Wei Qi, Zong Qi, Ying Qi, the Qi of the internal organs, and the Qi of the meridians). "When Qi gathers, life occurs; when Qi is strong, health occurs; when Qi declines, weakness occurs; and when Qi disperses, death occurs." "When Qi gathers, it becomes blocked; when Qi disperses, it becomes unobstructed." Yin Qi is the main substance, Yang Qi is the main function, and the two Qi transform into each other. "Cihai" says: "Yuan Qi, also known as 'original Qi', refers to the basic substance and activity ability of the physiological functions of human tissues and organs", which is called human metabolism in modern medicine.

The concept of vital energy in modern medicine can be broken down into normal thinking reactions, good sleep, the ability to eat and drink well and digest food, the ability to run and jump without panic, smooth breathing without coughing or wheezing, good complexion and a bright voice.

The simple "Original Qi Theory" in ancient China believed that "Original Qi" was the most essential and original element that constituted all things in the universe, and its source could be considered to be Laozi's "Tao".

. According to the theory of primordial qi, the birth, destruction, development and change of all things are the result of the movement of primordial qi following the "Tao" (i.e. the laws of nature). Qi is the essence of all things, completely continuous and omnipresent. When Qi gathers, it takes shape and becomes a physical object with form and color. When Qi disperses, it returns to the void, manifesting as the disappearance of the physical object. ——Zhang Zaiyun, Northern Song Dynasty

In Taoist practice, Yuan Qi is the fundamental energy for human life activities and the root of life. Therefore, Yuan Qi essentially supports the existence of life. Without Yuan Qi, there is no life. Therefore, in the book "Zhuangzi", it is mentioned that "when Qi gathers, there is life, and when Qi disperses, there is death." The key to Taoist practice and the pursuit of longevity actually lies in this "vital energy."

At the beginning of a person's life, his vital energy is the strongest and most sufficient. At this time, if he knows how to practice, he can transcend the limitations of life and death in a very short time. As the body continues to develop, the vital energy, on the one hand, supplies the needs of body growth. At the same time, constant human activities are also a way to dissipate the vital energy. At the end of life, the vital energy in the human body is finally exhausted, and the body dies like a light goes out. Therefore, the amount of vital energy is related to the length of life. Although life and death are in line with the laws of nature, through continuous practice and accumulation, longevity can be expected.

Through the detailed introduction of Yuan Qi in the above article, I believe most people should have a certain degree of understanding of what Yuan Qi is. In fact, each of us has vitality, which is the foundation of the body. The strength of vitality will affect our physical health, so in our daily lives, we should try our best to ensure that the body's vitality is not lost. If you want to maintain your vitality, you cannot have surgery easily, so everyone must pay attention.