Chi

Not to be confused with the 22nd letter of the Greek alphabet, Chi, sometimes spelled Qi, is a word in Chinese that refers to ‘energy’. This energy is said to be present in all things and is similar to the force referred to a ‘Prana’ in Hindu philosophy. It is central to such practices as Feng Shui and exercise techniques such as Tai Chi.

In Tui Na, the chi is said to be the energy that runs through channels of the body know as meridians, giving the body energy for life. A healthy human body has chi or energy running through these meridians in a harmonious way. If the pace becomes too fast or too slow, the meridians can become blocked and symptoms can start to develop in the physical body. Chi is sometimes referred to in metaphysical terms as the energy that has not yet become material energy but which already has an effect on the material energy working in the body. Suffice it to say that Chi is a real force that can be worked on by the Tui Na practitioner to facilitate the correct flow through the meridians in order to restore the body to health and it can be detected, for example, by dowsing with a pendulum over key energy points such as the seven main Chakras located between the groin and the top of the head or crown.

During reflexology and aromatherapy. one also works with the body's energy as well as on the physical body but with reflexology, in particular, the theory relating to the way energy flows through the body and particular pressure points utilised is a little different to the Chinese model.