Concept of Energy or Qi in Traditional Oriental Medicine
Concept of Qi, Chi, or Ki
Shiatsu operates on the subtle anatomy of the body, described as "qi" in Chinese or "ki" in Japanese. Qi is a fundamental concept in traditional oriental medicine and is considered our "life essence," which maintains and nurtures our physical body, mind, and spirit. In traditional Indian medicine, it is described as "prana." Qi is omnipresent, constantly moving and changing from moment to moment, and can be easily replenished on a daily basis. The human body is a dynamic field of energy, circulating through cells, tissues, muscles, and internal organs.
The Chinese word "qi" translates as "breath." In Japanese, "qi" is defined as mind, spirit, or heart. Japanese vocabulary includes numerous expressions that use the word "qi," most of which describe human moods, attitudes, or character. Qi is often characterized as energy.
Within the organ and meridian systems, energy is consistently exchanged. This energy circulates to fill areas where it is deficient (Kyo) and dissipate areas where it is excessive (Jitsu). The entire system is inherently self-regulating, with most energy imbalances naturally correcting themselves. Treatment is typically only necessary for stubborn and persistent blockages or deficiencies in certain areas, where practices like Shiatsu come into play.
Various exercises can help you experience qi and feel its effects on your body. Qi is a tangible force composed of electric, magnetic, infrasonic, and infrared vibrations, which can be intuitionally perceived and mentally directed. It can even be captured in Kirlian photography. Just as we depend on air for our lives, qi is the very wellspring of our vitality. It is the force within us that drives and inspires us to move forward in life. When qi departs, life ceases. According to ancient philosophers, life and death are nothing more than the movement and dispersal of qi.
The Meridians
The Orientals believed that energy circulates and nourishes the entire person through specific pathways, typically referred to as "meridians." In Indian medicine, these are known as "nadis" or rivers. Meridians form an intricate network of interconnected pathways that link the organs, skin, flesh, muscles, and bones into a unified body. This can be likened to the Interstate highway network in the United States. The qi that flows within these meridians may lean more towards the Yang aspect, defending the body externally, or the Yin aspect, nurturing the body internally. These channels originate deep within the organs and extend through major meridian branches to smaller and smaller ones, ultimately terminating at the skin's surface. They then return inward, resembling the patterns of other major bodily systems like the nervous system and circulatory system.