For thousands of years people have been aware of energy moving through the universe, connecting everything in it like a huge computer network. What has come to be called Qi (chee) is a subtle flow of energy, which links all things in the universe.

In the Far East the understanding and control of energy flow underlies traditional healing systems such as acupuncture and Shiatsu, as well as martial arts like Tai Qi, Qi Gong and Aikido. The energy has several names. In China it is called Qi (also spelled Chi), in Japan it is known as Kí and in India it is referred to as Prana. There are no specific words for it in the West, although expressions such as atmosphere, mood, life-force, spirit or life energy describe how it is perceived (throughout this article we will refer to it as Qi and energy). Continue reading →