QI (chi)
Where the mind (intention) goes, the Qi or bio-electricity goes, and where the Qi goes the blood goes.
Basically, Qi means energy and in terms of Taijiquan, it commonly refers to intrinsic energy that flows through the body, often in association with the flow of blood. Everyone has Qi. When we die, it leaves the body.
There is Yin Qi and Yang Qi. In general terms, Qi is ofter referred to as air, gas and vapor or breath. It can also mean spirit, character or influence and bearing. When a person has a certain style in what they do, it is said they have a particular kind of Qi. An artist, such as a calligrapher, is said to express a certain kind of Qi in his work. There are many different kinds of Qi. We are born with what is original Qi, which we get from our parents. This is the Qi that resides primarily in our dantian. The Qi that we accumulate during our daily life comes from the air we breathe and the food we eat. It is said to be cultivated Qi.
Since the original Qi tends to be used up, it is important to replenish it. This can be done with breathing exercises such as Taijiquan, qigong and meditation. In Taijiquan some of the goals are to increase the amount of Qi, to improve the quality of Qi, to ensure that it flows freely and is not blocked. The goal is also not to achieve a balance Yin and Yang Qi.
Qi can be experienced in many ways. Most commonly it is through warmth in the hands and feet or an itchy feeling in the hands. At different times in one's practice it is felt in different ways. But the goal in Taijiquan is not to feel the Qi, but to make sure it is not blocked and be able to direct it by one's intention. It is commonly said that one should sink the Qi to the dantian, which is an energy center in the lower abdomen. One of the reason for this is so the energy cannot get stuck in the upper torso or the head.
Because of the need to deal with intellectual and emotional problems in daily life, the Qi rises to the top of the head and does not circulate freely through the rest of the body. This produces an imbalance that can produce fatique, anger, depression and conflict. Sinking the Qi helps to reassert the healthy Qi through the meridians, or pathways, that are the basis for acupuncture treatments.
In Taijiquan, one of the goals is to be able to gather the Qi in the dantian and from there distribute it to the legs and the rest of the body during practice of the form and self-defense applications, as well as during daily life. At higher levels, Qi is transmuted into shen or spirit and for health and in the martial arts, it is used to produce jin or internal strengh. Qi, itself, is said to come from jing or the generative energy. Together, jing, Qi and shen are sometimes referred to as the Three Treasures. The process of working with the Qi involves a mindfulness that helps to amplify the Qi and the development of intention that can guide your effort and the Qi itself.
PEACE!!!