Menu Home Brief History Schools of Feng Shui Five Elements Bagua Qi Yin & Yang						Qi (pronounced 'chee'), also referred to as "life force energy," most often defined as "air" or "breath" that is part of everything that exists.  Qi is believed to nurture and govern all living beings.  What Is Qi? Philosophical concepts of Qi dates back from the earliest recorded times in Chinese thinking.  One of the important figures in Chinese mythology is Huang Di or the Yellow Emperor.  He was considered a culture hero who collected and formalized much of what subsequently became known as Traditional Chinese Medicine.  Theories of Traditional Chinese Medicine assert that the body has natural patterns of qi associated with it that circulate in channels called meridians.  Symptoms of various illnesses are often seen as the product of disrupted or unbalanced qi movement through such channels. In Feng Shui, Qi is categorized into Heaven (Environmental), Earth, and Man Qi.  Understanding the concept of qi is the key to understanding Feng Shui. The word 'qi' first appeared in the Zangshu, or Book of Burial (276-324BC) of the early 3rd century (Fields, 2003).  According to the classics that have been translated, Qi rides the wind and scatters, but is retained when encountering water.  In Feng Shui practice, a site that attracts water is optimum, followed by the site that catches wind.  In other words, a site holds auspicious qi when it holds accumulated qi.  To locate accumulated qi, one must look for a landscape surrounded on all sides by rising terrain (like the crook of an arm): East should resemble and recumbent dragon; West should resemble a crouching tiger; behind the lair toward the North should resemble an ornamental screen; while the South should be lowest in elevation where flowing water should be found embracing the site. Qualities of Qi Wang Qi - This is believed as the most vibrant of Qi.  Qi in this form at its prime stage where it is strong, is nurturing and prosperous.  It allows us to accelerate performance and improves qualiry of life. Sheng Qi - Qi in this stage generates life and allow us to grow in all aspect of life.  This type of Qi is said to promote prosperity and good fortune.  Being able to harness this type of Qi will also hasten opportunities and progress, as well as sharpen our thinking and stabilize our emotion. Retreating Qi - This type of Qi is at its waning stage and beginning to lose its power. Dead Qi - Qi in this stage is dead and stagnant.  This type of Qi is believed to be toxic and is believed to prevent movement.  Killing Qi - This type of Qi is destructive and harmful.  It's power is strong and menacing.  This Qi is believed to reduce vitality and clouds ones mind.  This is a violent stage of Qi.