Human chi is generally known as 'Normal', 'Upright' or 'True Chi'. Within that there are different categories of Chi. So let's have a look at them.
1) Pre-natal Chi is also known as heaven, original or inherited chi. It's the chi that we are born with and we inherit it from our parents through our genes. It is thought that the amount of Pre-natal chi we are born with can't be increased during a lifetime, though as we use chi/energy it can be supplemented by practising meditation and other forms of spiritual development, including Chi Kung . Pre-natal chi is stored in the Kidneys.
2) Post-natal Chi is received through breathing (aka Natural Air Chi) and by eating (also known as Grain Chi). This combination of air and food, forms 'Nutritive Chi' which is then circulated throughout our bodies via energy channels known as meridians.
The combination of Pre-natal and Post-natal Chi can be further categorised in 5 areas...
1) Organ Chi which is responsible for the healthy and balanced functioning of the organs.
2) Channel/Meridian Chi which is responsible for transporting Chi through the channels/meridians.
3) Nourishing/Nutritive Chi which transforms and creates blood from food, and also moves with blood to help nourish the tissues of the body.
4) Guardian/Protective Chi acts as our immune system. It acts as a barrier between the body and external pathogens (or what's known as External Pernicious Influences!). It flows within the chest and abdominal cavities and warms the organs, and also flows between the skin and muscles and regulates the opening and closing of pores, and protects and moistens skin, hair and nails.
5) Ancestral/Chest Chi gathers in the chest forming a 'sea fo Chi'. It travels up to the throat area and down to the abdomen. This Chi is responsible for breathing, speaking, regulating heart beat and can also strengthen the body.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine illness is a result of the Chi being out of balance, the flow being disrupted or blocked in some way. Illness can also be a result of deficiencies and imbalance in the organs of the body. There are many patterns of disharmony and the following are the two major ones associated with Chi...
1) Deficient Chi: this happens when there is a lack of Chi and it leads to an inability to carry out the normal functioning of Chi within the body. For example, when the whole body is deficient in Chi this could lead to lethargy and a lack of motivation. Collapsed Chi is a type o Deficient Chi where the lack of chi causes organs to prolapse. For example, prolapsed uterus or haemorrhoids.
2) Stagnant Chi: this happens when the chi doesn't flow smoothly. This can also lead to impairment of an organ. For example, dysmenorrhea could be a result of stagnant chi (blood) affecting the uterus. Rebellious chi is a type of Stagnant Chi where the Chi flows in the wrong direction. For example, stomach chi should flow downwards; if it rebels and goes up it could result in vomiting and nausea.
Various interventions are used to rebalance, unlock and promote the free flow of Chi again. These include Chi Kung, massage, nutrition, herbal remedies, martial arts and acupuncture.
Happy Chi - Doreen and Dympna
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