Qi (Chi) is understood as the fundamental vital energy or life-force that underlies and animates all existence, both material and spiritual. It is described as the basic “stuff” of reality, present everywhere and in everything, from the vast cosmos to the smallest living form. Rather than treating matter, energy, and mind as separate substances, this view regards them as different condensations, movements, or qualities of Qi. This energy is not static; it is dynamic, constantly moving, transforming, and existing in varying densities or refinements throughout nature.

Within this perspective, harmony and health arise when Qi flows smoothly and remains balanced, whether in the human body, the natural world, or social life. Blockage, deficiency, excess, or stagnation of Qi is associated with disharmony or illness, so the state of Qi becomes a lens through which well-being and disorder are understood. Qi is seen as manifesting through complementary polarities often expressed as Yin and Yang, and it is also interpreted through patterns that describe cycles and relationships in nature and human affairs. These patterns offer a way of reading the subtle shifts of energy that shape both inner experience and outer circumstances.

In the human being, Qi is said to circulate through specific channels or meridians, and the quality of this circulation is closely linked to physical, emotional, and mental states. Practices such as acupuncture, qigong, tai chi, martial arts, breathing exercises, herbal medicine, and feng shui are all oriented toward regulating, directing, and refining Qi. Through such disciplines, Qi can be cultivated and harmonized for health, spiritual development, and the creation of supportive environments. Some traditions also speak of different modes of Qi—such as inherited and acquired forms, or organ-related energies—that together govern bodily functions and emotional patterns.

Beyond the individual, Qi is understood as both cosmic and personal, filling Heaven and Earth while also constituting the vitality of each being. Philosophical currents associated with this view emphasize aligning with natural patterns of Qi and cultivating its integrity through ethical conduct, self-discipline, and clarity of mind. Moral character, emotional balance, and spiritual aspiration are thus not separate from energetic life, but expressions of its refinement. To contemplate Qi in this way is to see reality as a continuous field of living energy, in which flourishing depends on understanding, respecting, and skillfully harmonizing the ever-moving flow of this vital force.