Disorders of Qi

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Qi, also spelled ch'i or chi, prounounced " chee " , roughly (though

inadequately) translated as " energy " .

 

Meridians are pathways of Qi flow. Acupoints are points on the

meridians where Qi flow and the effects on the body can be adjusted.

 

There are 4 disorders of Qi: It can be Deficient, it can Stagnate,

it can Sink, it can Rebel.

 

Deficient Qi means there is not enough. The Spleen and the Lungs are

the two most important Organs when it comes to Qi, especially the

Spleen. Most herbs in the subclass of herbs called Qi Tonic herbs

target the Spleen and/or Lungs.

 

Each meridian has a proper direction of flow. In some, like the

Stomach, the Qi is supposed to flow from top to bottom (descend). In

the Spleen, Qi is supposed to flow from bottom to top (ascending in

the body and helping to hold organs in place). When Qi which is

supposed to rise instead descends, this is call Rebellious Qi. As in

Stomach Qi Rebelling (and causing hiccups, nausea, vomiting, etc.)

When Qi which is supposed to rise sinks instead, this is called

Sinking Qi - as in Spleen Qi Sinking (and thus triggering prolapse of

organs). (Note to students: Sinking Qi is classified as a Deficiency

imbalance; Rebellious Qi is classified as an Excess condition. This

is one of those questions that may show up on some of your exams.)

 

Stagnant Qi is Qi which is not moving properly. It's too slow or

it's blocked. This causes problems which I will go into in a post on

Qi Stagnation.

 

A class of herbs called Herbs that Regulate Qi are used to get Qi

flowing properly. There also are acupoints for this.

 

There are also herbs which will cause Qi to rise as well as herbs

that will encourage it to descend. There is not a special chapter in

my Materia Medica for this; instead the info is scattered throughout

the book.

 

There also are acupoints which will affect the direction of flow of

Qi.

 

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