The various ambiguities regarding the nature of Qigong can be attributed to different understandings of the “Qi” in Qigong. So, what exactly is the “Qi” in Qigong? The author believes that the “Qi” in Qigong refers to true Qi, also known as Zheng Qi (正气). It includes the natural Qi and the subtle Qi within the human body.
In terms of the external manifestation of Qi, it is formless and shapeless, and it is not easily seen by the naked eye. However, in terms of its existence, it is objective; Qi can accumulate, Qi can disperse, and Qi acts on the human body, allowing one to directly and clearly feel its presence.
So, what is this special formless and shapeless existence? Based on the achievements of modern science, we believe that “Qi” is a type of physical field distinct from other forms.
A field is one of the two basic forms of material existence. The difference between a field and a physical object is that the form of a “field” cannot be directly seen or touched like a physical object, but it is a special existence that contains energy. Observing the Qi of Qigong in this way, we can find that the Qi of Qigong is indeed this invisible and untouchable form of existence that possesses energy.
Since Qi can accumulate (the essence of practice is to accumulate Qi and store energy, that is, to extract high-energy substances from the universe and the human body and store them in the Dantian (丹田)), when this energy accumulates to a certain extent, Qi forms a high-energy “field” that produces a powerful force. It is precisely because Qi can form a strong field that Qigong possesses a strong permeability, similar to how a magnet with a strong magnetic field can move iron filings through paper.
When this energy accumulates to a certain level and forms a very strong “field,” it can even produce a power outage effect. The mechanism is that the energy of the particle flow in this high-energy field exceeds the load that ordinary voltage can carry, resulting in a short circuit or power outage. Without the accumulation of Qi and the action of the field, the above phenomena cannot be explained.
Regarding the “field,” both contemporary natural science and philosophy have repeatedly proven that it is a real and special material. Regardless of its type and manifestation, its objective reality is indisputable.
Thus, the Qi of Qigong, as a field containing energy, is also a special material, not a spiritual one.
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