The Qi

Qi (pronounced `chee') is unknown in Western medicine, but in simple terms is the vital energy of the body. It keeps the blood circulating, warms the body and fights disease. It is Qi that distinguishes living creatures from inanimate objects. Qi flows through certain channels forming a network within the entire body and linking all parts and functions together so that they work as one unit. There are 12 main Qi channels, each connected to an internal organ and named after that organ, and they follow a set pathway in the body.

When a person is healthy the Qi moves smoothly through the channels, but if for some reason the flow is blocked or too weak or too strong then illness occurs. The aim of the acupuncturist is to correct the flow of Qi by inserting thin needles into particular points on the channels and so affect a change in a part, or function, of the body. Changes in Qi precede physical change, so acupuncture can act as preventive medicine, correcting the energy before a serious illness can occur. If physical change has already occurred, it can be reversed by adjusting the Qi.