The Dynamics of Qi (Qi-Ji)

physiology

Qi-ji — the directed movement of qi: rising, descending, entering, and exiting. Each organ has a characteristic direction: the spleen raises the pure upward, the stomach lowers the turbid downward; the lungs disperse and descend qi, and the liver ensures free ascent and distribution. Health is maintained by the harmony of these movements. Imbalances are described as qi stagnation (stopped movement), retrograde flow (vomiting, coughing, outbursts of anger), sinking (sinking of the organs), and “blockage.” Many therapeutic methods, in essence, restore the proper direction of qi.