'Qi' has a philosophical root from Taoism, and is believed to be the vital energy behind all occurrences in the universe and living entity.
As you can see from the table shown below,'Qi' and its movement plays a pivotal role for these processes to happen. In the absence of the energy source, there will be no structural or chemical changes and everything will be stagnant.
Rain formation (Universe)
Digestion (Human)
Material
Water
Food
Qi (energy source)
Sun
Intestinal contraction, enzymes
Building block
Water vapor
Nutrients
Movement
↑Evaporation - Upwards into sky
↑Absorption – inwards into blood
Condensation – forms cloud
Anabolism – promotes growth
↓Precipitation – falls as rain
↓Excretion – downwards as waste
'Qi' originates from two sources:
1. Innate or inherited from our parents before birth as Essence (精)
2. Acquired after birth from our diet, air and water. We are given the innate ability to digest food through enzymatic breakdown and intestinal contraction, but we will need continuous (acquired) supplementation from our diet and oxygen to replenish this innate ability. The two sources are therefore, said to be interdependent.
Qi
Function
Overview
Physiological (Normal)
Pathological (Abnormal)
Promoting
Growth & development, organ functions
Normal growth rate in newborn; regular heart rate etc.
Delayed growth and development in newborn; irregular heart rate
Warming
Warming the body and maintain functional activities
Body temperature is normal; respiratory and digestive functions are normal
Body feels cold; excessive phlegm production and diarrhea
Defending
Ward off pathogens
Fight diseases
Does not fall sick easily
Able to recover within expected timeframe
Falls sick frequently
Takes a longer time to recover or tendency to relapse
Consolidating and governing
Holds organ in place
Fluids flow within stipulated location
Anus and uterus are held in place; Blood flows within vessels
Anal, uterine prolapse
Abnormal bleeding
Transformation
Metabolism, conversion of material from one form to another
Food is broken down into nutrients, absorbed into the bloodstream and promote growth
Indigestion –flatulence, pain, constipation; poor absorption – nutritional deficiency; delayed growth