Feng Shui 101: What is Chi energy? Meaning and types

July 15, 11:39 AMOrlando Feng Shui ExaminerAlla Kondrat

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Chi energy: meaning and types.

One of the key elements of Feng Shui and Tao philosophies is Chi energy. The term Chi has many meanings, including “the breath of God”, vital breath, viability, life energy. In other cultures there also exist terms for describing the concept of Chi. For instance, ki in Japan, prana in India, mana in the Hawaii, will to life in the western philosophy, and others.

The concept of Chi goes far beyond the art of Feng Shui. It is present in all the disciplines and areas of knowledge related to the Tao tradition: in different schools of martial arts, in breath gymnastics (sin tsi), in exercises for physical development, in the practice of internal alchemy for reaching immortality, etc.

The existence and presence of Chi energy was considered so obvious that many classical texts about Feng Shui don’t mention it at all, and all the explanations regarding energy flows are given in the terms of Yin and Yang interaction.

However, in modern Feng Shui this term has become rather popular since it helps to clarify the influences of major energy types for practical purposes.

Human Chi

So, Chi is a life life-force. A healthy, strong, and balanced person is considered to have good Chi; weak and ill person has a bad Chi. When a person dies, Chi energy leaves the body.

According to the concepts of traditional Chinese medicine, Chi moves along 12 meridians, or routs, and 8 vessels in the human body. These meridians transfer the energy of life toward all the organs and body parts. Consequently, all the organs, systems, and parts of the body are considered secondary in relation to Chi, which provides them all with the power to function.

It is also important to note that concepts Chi and spirit (Shen) are not identical in their meaning.

Earth Chi

Just like in human body, Chi energy moves all around the planet. Meridians of the earth energy are called “dragon veins”. Places where Chi flows close to the surface are fertile, prosperous, and rich in vegetation.

Types of Chi

Earth Chi – energy of nature, animals, and plants.
Heaven Chi – energy of the sky, stars, and planets.
Human Chi – internal energy of a person.
House Chi – energy that circulates in your house.
Nation Chi – energy of a nation.