Chi is the energy that flows through the human body. It is the vitality or "life force" that keeps us alive. In an effort to find some pragmatic explanation for this phenomenon and after centuries of observation and practice, the ancient Taoist masters found ways to measure and manipulate chi. They found that by stimulating one part of the body with pressure, heat, cold or the insertion of needles, another seemingly unrelated part of the body could be significantly affected.

Various exercises were then developed which could affect the quantity and intensity of chi. Further it was observed that chi traveled along specific, consistent pathways through the different body parts and internal organs. Entire systems of these pathways called meridians, which govern the flow of chi, were mapped out in great detail. These are fundamental to the now highly sophisticated healing arts of acupuncture and acupressure from which many people gain great benefit today. Despite many attempts by Western scientists to rationalize these observations, the flow of chi through these meridians bears no relationship to the human nervous or circulatory systems.

Chi, then, is used to describe the energy that holds our organs in place, regulates our body temperature, and generally serves to maintain most of our bodily functions. Scientists know it exists because they can interrupt, enhance, or change its flow. Many say chi can be compared to the concept of electricity, which is almost impossible to properly describe. Nevertheless, scientists can clearly show that electricity exists because it can cause extreme consequences when touched. It can be measured. It can run electric motors. It can have high or low voltage. It can be magnified by certain actions and it can be impeded. As with electricity, chi is mostly described by its properties or consequences. Chi continues to defy attempts to dissect it in laboratories and to physically see it. It just is. This is a simple matter of fact for the Taoist, but can be maddening to the Western intellect.

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