What are the three types of Qi?
There are three kinds of Qi, known as heaven Qi (Tian Qi), Earth Qi (Di Qi), and human Qi (Ren Qi). Heaven Qi is composed of natural forces including the sun and rain and is made up of the forces that the heavenly bodies exert on the earth, such as sunshine, moonlight, and the moon’s effect on the tides. The earth has earth Qi (Di Qi), which absorbs the heaven Qi and is influenced by it.
We breathe to absorb Heaven Qi and eat to absorb Earth Qi. The essence of the food we consume is transported by the Spleen to the Lungs to combine with fresh air to produce Zong Qi. Zong Qi is the energy that circulates and nourishes the organs and tissues. It is the most critical type of Qi, essential for good health. The organs and tissues of the body need constant nourishment to function correctly, which is where Zong Qi comes in. This is why we focus on the food we eat in the season we are in as well as the way we breathe in Qigong.
What are the benefits of connecting heaven and Earth?
“Connecting Heaven and Earth” is an exercise that opens the meridians, brings oxygen to the cells, and activates mood-boosting endorphins as well as the immune system.
For more information, you can read more about Qigong in these two books listed below as well as read my newsletters and blogs on my website https://agelessqigong.com/
The Way of Qigong: The Art and Science of Chinese Energy Healing by Kenneth S. Cohen
Between Heaven and Earth: A Guide to Chinese Medicine by Harriet Beinfield and Efrem Korngold
