A Biophysical Model for Cardiovascular Effects of Acupuncture-Underlying Mechanisms Based on First Principles

The Qi of Body, Mind, and Spirit: A Contextual Perspective on the Elusive Nature of Qi

Background

A definitive meaning for the notion of Qi is elusive. Theoretical explanations range from the rational physiologic to the subtle energetic, from the tautological to the Tao. In this article, the author suggests a practical approach that frames the concept contextually, illustrating differences with three case-histories.

Cases

The cases were as follows. A 74-year-old man had low back, left-hip and lateral left-leg pain. Acupuncture addressed his anatomical/structural issues. A 58-year-old woman had left upper-chest discomfort, restricted left-shoulder movement and periodic left frontal headaches and dry eyes. Acupuncture addressed her Etheric body. A 40-year-old woman had headaches and depression associated with grief over family losses. She visited a clinic and met a former patient there with whom she bonded. Acupuncture addressed her emotional state and she experienced subsequent phenomena that enabled her to release her grief.

Results

All 3 patients experienced resolution of their symptoms, with the exception of the woman's dry eyes in Case 2.

Conclusions

Qi-nature can vary among gross, subtle, and causal levels. These levels can coexist and overlap during treatments of patients. This tripartite explanation may represent the Oriental pictograms better and be consistent with the philosophical root of Chinese Medicine-the Tao.

The Biggest Obstacle to the Integration of Acupuncture: The Meaning of Qi from the Ancients to Einstein

Qi continues to be questionably translated in the West as the biblical idea of lifeforce. The true meaning of qi may be closer to the Western scientific definition of energy as the material basis of everything in the Universe. To illustrate this, parallels are drawn between the writings of ancient Chinese thinkers and Western definitions of energy, including the laws of thermodynamics underlying Western scientific thought and yin-yang theory underlying Chinese scientific thought. The focus is on the similarities in theories of material reality while acknowledging how differences in cultural mindset create distinct styles of description of the same ideas. The purpose in establishing a more accurate translation of qi, by removing Western projections, is to improve patient-practitioner communication and to remove obstacles to the acceptance of acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine as a mainstream medical intervention in the West.