OUR PHILOSOPHY

The concept of energy guiding everything from growth and development to gene expression and organ function may seem strange, if not unfathomable. Yet, this energy, called qi (pronounced chee) has been at the heart of Chinese medicine since its earliest beginnings.

Chinese medicine defines life as a gathering of qi. In its various forms, qi makes up all aspects of who we are—body, mind, and spirit. Qi is dynamic, continuously transforming from one form to another throughout our lives. It is the transformations of qi, along with the ease of its movement and flow, that determine our state of health, our ability to heal, and our quality of life.

The relationships between the various aspects of qi are illustrated by the concept of yin and yang. Our bodies strive for balance and harmony between yin and yang, and when all yin and yang aspects and expressions of qi are in harmony with one another, we have health. When there is disharmony between yin and yang, or when there is too much or too little of one aspect of qi relative to another, we experience illness, pain, and suffering.

• Qi is the life force: It powers life.
• Qi is the material and spiritual heart of life: All life has qi and when qi disperses, life is no longer.
• Qi is an intelligent force: It organizes the body and keeps it organized according to the body plan.
• Qi is the foundation of health and disease: Its movement ensures health; disturbances in its flow are the precursor of all illness.
• Qi supports, nourishes, and protects: It nourishes the body and mind and protects by creating a barrier to resist pathogens.
• Qi embraces all manifestations of energy: It is both visible (your physical body and blood) and invisible (your nerve impulses, thoughts, and emotions).