Within the classical understanding of Qi, the flow of energy is conceived as a continuous, dynamic movement of vital force that never truly comes to rest. This energy circulates in patterned ways rather than at random, forming an all-pervading field that animates and sustains both physical and mental processes. Its movement is not merely linear, but cyclical, reflecting daily, seasonal, and life-long rhythms. Where this circulation is smooth and unobstructed, there is vitality and harmony; where it is blocked, stagnant, excessive, or deficient, there is disharmony and the potential for illness.

This flow is described as moving through specific pathways known as meridians, a network that links organs, tissues, and various functional systems of the body. These channels create an integrated field of communication, allowing different parts of the organism to resonate with one another. Within this network, certain regions act as centers for the storage and transformation of Qi, and circular routes such as the so‑called “orbit” of energy are emphasized as primary patterns of circulation. The overall picture is one of a structured yet fluid system, in which energy density and movement can vary from place to place and moment to moment.

The movement of Qi is further characterized by the interplay of complementary polarities, most notably Yin and Yang. These are not rigid opposites but mutually defining aspects of a single process: inward and outward, ascending and descending, cooling and warming, receptive and active. The health of the system depends on the dynamic balance of these forces, rather than the dominance of one over the other. When Yin and Yang are in appropriate proportion and the ascending, descending, inward, and outward currents are coordinated, the flow of Qi supports both bodily well‑being and clarity of mind.

Qi flow is also understood as responsive and relational, shaped by intention, breath, posture, emotions, and patterns of living. Practices such as breathing exercises, meditative movement, and contemplative stillness are employed to regulate and refine this circulation, aligning body, breath, and awareness. At the same time, Qi is seen as constantly exchanging with its surroundings through contact with the environment, including air, food, and subtle interactions with other beings. Thus, the flow of Qi is not only an inner phenomenon but part of a larger web of energetic relations, in which individual life is inseparable from the wider field of nature.