Qi (it’s more than just energy)

Some words refuse to be translated. Qi is definitely one of them.

Before studying TCM, I'd heard Qi described simply as "energy". It seemed straightforward enough. Yet, as the weeks unfolded, I realised that one small word held centuries of observation behind it.

One of the first things I learnt was that Qi has no direct English equivalent. Rather than trying to define what it is, Traditional Chinese Medicine often describes what it does.

Qi is one of the body's Vital Substances; fundamental substances believed to sustain life and support normal physiological function. Throughout the degree, we'll also learn about other vital substances; Blood (Xue), Body Fluids (Jin Ye), Essence (Jing) and Spirit (Shen), each playing a distinct role in maintaining health.

Of these, Qi is often introduced first because it underpins so much of Chinese Medicine. It is said to warm the body, transform food into nourishment, move Blood and Body Fluids, protect us from external pathogens, and support the countless functions that keep us alive. Quite frankly, you could imagine it being an invisible force running along the meredian lines.

I found that way of thinking unexpectedly refreshing.

At the same time, my studies in human biology were introducing me to cells, tissues, and organ systems. Chinese Medicine was introducing something different, not another anatomical structure, but another way of understanding the body.

Less through parts. More through relationships.

It's still early in my studies, and I suspect Qi will remain one of those ideas that reveals itself slowly. Each lecture seems to add another layer, making something that once felt abstract become just a little more tangible.

For now, perhaps that's enough.

Not to define Qi.

Simply to begin noticing it.

Coming from a career in digital marketing, convenience had become normal. Lunches were rushed, meals were eaten on the go at my desk most days and dinner was often something frozen after a long day. Learning about Qi made me reconsider how I was fuelling myself, so I have began prioritising regular, home-cooked meals and gradually reducing my reliance on coffee for energy. Id rather feel my energy build on itself rather than rely off another substance.

An observation I had:

What gives me that feeling of aliveness, energy, motivation, a warmth in my body fueling my passion? What quietly takes it away?