Qi (chi, ki) is defined as intrinsic energy, internal energy, original energy, or function of the body.  

Cultivating Qi is the foundation of all Internal Martial Arts.  The definition of Internal Martial Arts is that the training begins from the inside of the body working energy (Qi) outwards.  The foundation and movements are based on cultivating your Qi so you move from the center of the body at the core (Dan Tian).  This develops a unified whole-body power, or the intrinsic strength of the body, which is referred to as internal power.  When a basic level of practice is maintained, the Qi (energy), blood, tendon, bone and meridians can be strengthened and changed. The body gradually becomes stronger and healthier  from the core.  This integrated and unified “whole body” strength is what develops the power of the mind/body connection – it is entirely dependent on your Qi cultivation.

When developing the mind/body in this manner, the Qi becomes the alchemy that will shift and heighten your personal evolution beyond your current prospective. Many forms of healing and internal martial arts are based on this principle.

The foundation for cultivating Qi is the breath.  Learning how to circulate Qi with the breath begins your the journey to achieve higher awareness and internal health.

As Qi is always circulating in your body, it is the on-going “life essence” which you live and breath by.  However, Qi circulation can become stagnant or slow because of knots in the vessels and meridians.  Cultivating Qi through breathing and internal martial arts exercise will start unblocking the meridian channels.  This process stimulates the immune and circulatory systems to function at a higher level and will give increased longevity.

As we get older the Qi pressure is drained out of the navel and kidney areas.  Gradually, Qi pressure is lost, creating an energy imbalance; when the pressure is low the fluid flow in the entire system slows down.  As we age, we also lose the habit of abdominal breathing.  Most people leave the lungs to do all the work.  This type of breathing actually expends more energy than it creates.

As we refer to the “mind”, in the mind/body context, we are referring to the energy of the mind – called “Shen” in Chinese medicine and martial arts.  When your Shen becomes refined you are able to sense and feel more sharply. Like Qi, mental energy can be cultivated and developed.  The highest levels of Shen can be developed through exercise, diet, internal martial arts and meditation.  When someone is scattered or confused it is said that his Shen (mind) wanders.  When your Shen (mind) is weak, your Qi is weak.

When constantly training and operating with breath and the cultivation of Qi, your normal habits begin to fall off and you can operate and perform at a higher level.  This is describing someone who can “ground” from the center of the head – they can reset the mind and tap into “simultaneous time” where all things come together at the same frequency.  Basically, it is up-grading your operating system like up-grading your computer.  The old computer will not work at that lower level again – you have re-written the outcome of your practice.