Eastern Theory for Massage Therapists
Qi, Chi, Ki
Qi, is hard to translate to western thought. It is the life force, energy and breath. It is the foundation on which diagnosis, assessment and
treatment are based on in Eastern or Chinese Medicine.
Without Qi there is no life.
Three ways to attain Qi are from food, air and from our ancestors.
Three ways to lose Qi are through menstruation, ejaculation and death.
The five functions of Qi:
- Raising- one attitude
- Holding - holds vessels and organs
- Nourishing - supplies organs and muscles
- Protecting - from pathogens and external forces
- Moving - moves blood and emotions.
The Three Precious Substance or the Three Treasures
- Qi - life force inherits original Qi from Parents and from food and air
- Jing - Stored by kidneys - original Qi given from parents and nourishes by
food. It is the will to live, responsible for development
- Shen - the spirit of human intelligence, sparkle of the eye stored in the
heart, vitality behind Qi
Qi consists of Yin and Yang
Qi is moved and distributed through energy through energy meridians
Acupuncture and massage redistribute Qi
