What is Qi?

Qi is a Chinese term that has no corresponding word or concept in English.  In India it is called prana and in Japan it is labeled ki.  In Western culture we translate qi as energy, life force or breath.

Blood and oxygen play an important role in the movement of qi, yet do not sufficiently characterize the function of this energetic force. Qi circulates throughout the body along specific, invisible pathways called channels or meridians, very similar to the way blood circulates through the vessels. 

The overall health of the body is dependent upon the flow of qi. If qi becomes deficient or blocked there is imbalance in the body, and pain or illness develops.