What is the invisible force that ancient Chinese philosophers believed animates all living things? What connects the breath we take, the food we eat, the blood flowing through our bodies, and the rhythms of the natural world?

For thousands of years, Chinese medicine has explored these questions through one of its most fundamental concepts: Qi (pronounced “chee”).

Often translated as life force or vital energy, Qi is far more complex than either definition suggests. Within traditional Chinese philosophy and medicine, Qi is understood as a fundamental aspect of existence, influencing everything from the formation of matter to the processes that sustain human life.

But where does Qi come from? How does it move through the body? And what happens when its movement becomes disrupted?

In this episode of Rooted & Wild, host Henry Hawk welcomes back Dr. Autumn Edwards, a Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine and licensed acupuncturist whose work integrates Traditional Chinese Medicine, Five Element theory, herbal medicine, Western medical knowledge, and energetic approaches to healing.

Together, they venture into the ancient philosophical, medical, and esoteric understanding of Qi, exploring its origins, its many expressions, and its central role in acupuncture and Chinese medicine.

In this episode, we explore:

• What is Qi? Understanding the ancient Chinese concept of vital energy and why it encompasses far more than the Western translation of "life force."
• The origins of Qi: How Chinese philosophy describes the relationship between Qi, matter, energy, and the natural universe.
• Inherited and acquired vitality: The traditional distinction between Pre-Heaven and Post-Heaven Essence, and the roles of ancestry, nourishment, and breath.
• The different forms of Qi: Exploring Yuan Qi (Original Qi), Gu Qi (Food Qi), Zhen Qi (True Qi), Ying Qi (Nutritive Qi), and Wei Qi (Defensive Qi).
• Qi and the organs: How Chinese medicine understands the movement, transformation, and distribution of Qi throughout the body.
• The relationship between Qi and blood: Why traditional Chinese medicine considers these two vital substances deeply interconnected.
• The functions of Qi: Its traditional roles in warming, protecting, transporting, transforming, and supporting the body's processes.
• When Qi becomes imbalanced: How practitioners interpret patterns of deficiency, stagnation, and disrupted movement.
• Mind, intention, and Qi: Exploring the traditional relationship between consciousness, attention, and the movement of vital energy.
• Ancient philosophy and modern science: Examining proposed parallels between Qi and contemporary ideas about energy, physiology, and bioelectricity, while recognizing where scientific evidence remains limited.

Throughout this conversation, Dr. Edwards draws upon classical Chinese medical teachings and her clinical experience to illuminate a concept that has influenced generations of healers, philosophers, and spiritual practitioners.

Whether you're interested in acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, Daoist philosophy, energy healing, or the deeper mysteries of the human body, this episode invites you to reconsider what ancient traditions mean when they speak about the force of life itself.

About Dr. Autumn Edwards

Dr. Autumn Edwards is a Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine and licensed acupuncturist whose integrative approach draws upon Traditional Chinese Medicine, Five Element theory, Chinese herbal medicine, Western medical knowledge, and energetic healing practices. Her work explores the interconnected relationships between the physical body, emotional well-being, and the deeper philosophical traditions of Chinese medicine.

Learn more about Dr. Autumn Edwards:
https://www.drautumnedwards.com

This episode is part of a six-part exploration of Chinese medicine with Dr. Autumn Edwards, examining Yin and Yang, Qi, the Five Elements, meridians, esoteric Chinese medicine, the electromagnetics of acupuncture, and the intersections between Eastern and Western medicine

Rooted & Wild provides general information for educational and informational purposes only. The views and opinions expressed by guest speakers are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Henry Hawk. The content shared on this podcast is not intended to replace individualized medical, psychological, or therapeutic advice, nor should it be used to diagnose or treat any health condition. Listeners are encouraged to consult with qualified healthcare professionals regarding any medical or mental health concerns.