The subject of Qi, or life energy, has been discussed in traditional Chinese medicine, martial arts, and other cultural art forms such as calligraphy, painting, and music. Qi also provides the essential foundation for studying these disciplines. Chinese medicine has established a system of knowledge of Qi which directly relates Qi to the prognosis and treatment of illness. Therefore, to practice traditional Qigong, one must study Qi directly with its awareness, control, and applications.

          The question is, how are these processes to be practiced? Based on traditional Chinese Qigong theory and practices, it depends on one’s conscious and subconscious cognitive processes and physical sensuous reactions. These reactions are called the “eight sensuous phenomenon” and they are sensitive: Numbness, Swelling, Soreness or Pain, Coldness, Heat, Irritating twitching muscles, and Itchiness. When one practices Qigong and feels any of these sensations, one is aware of the presence of Qi.

          These sensational feelings are recognized by the individual who practices Qigong, and they are quite personal. It is very difficult to share or explain these sensations to a non- practitioner of Qigong. This is one of the reasons why Qigong is very difficult to popularize.

          Recently, the scientific community has wanted to research the inner strengths and mysteries of Qigong. The scientific community has developed many procedures and illustrations to explain the existence of Qi. They have applied modern testing and measurement equipment to measure the external essence of Qi from Qigong practitioners. Unfortunately, the results are inconsistent. However, it does indicate the existence of Qi in infra-red rays, particle streams, and magnet fields, etc.

          A comprehensive system of theories which explains the various aspects of Qi within Qigong does not exist. Hence, research on Qi with respect to Qigong is still a major interest in the scientific community. Based on my personal Qigong practice and my research in Qigong experimental development, I believe that Qi is a complex of fields.

          Qi is an amalgamation consisting of different fields. In other words, Qi may be external essence of a combination of internal fields. For example, a human body consists of various internal fields such as temperature, magnetism, electrons, density, material, and gravity, etc These internal fields are interrelated to formulate the life of the human body. The relationship among these fields reflects the appearance and feeling within us. When practicing Qigong, the relationship of these internal fields undergoes a direct change. The change will then create the possible sensational feeling as stated previously. In addition, this direct change also forges the harmonious interaction among these internal fields. The harmonious interaction then keeps the human system healthy.