Qi in Taijiquan is an Intention Wave
A Study Based on Biomechanics By Jie Gu, Ph. D,
Abstract
A wave is a disturbance that propagates through a medium. A physical wave is the mechanical motion of the medium. For instance, the shear and longitudinal waves.
A chemical wave is the propaga tion of chemical reaction, for instance, the stimulation state of body tissue, the secretion state of body fluid, and the hormone gener ation state, etc. Biological wave is the orderly wave in organic body, such as the rhythmic movement of the cells. Physiological wave include physical, chemical, and biological waves.
This paper presents a new concept: intention wave; and identify that Qi (LA) in Taijiquan is the
intention wave. An intention wave is the creation and propagation of Physiological wave under the guidance of the mind.
Jie Gu, Ph.D. is a
Detroit engineer and
has studied many
aspects of Tai Chi
Chuan over the years.
In this paper, using the concept of intention wave, we study the relationship and difference between the gas of breathing and the Qi in Taijiquan. We conclude that the gas of breathing is air; the Qi of Taijiquan is a wave; the air only gets into the lungs; Qi can travel to everywhere in a body.
This paper study the functionalities for the force system and the Qi system in Taijiquan.
We conclude that the force system is mainly for defense-offense. The Qi system is mainly for self-cultivation.
Qi in classical Taijiquan Theories
Qi is special in Taijiquan. Qi is quoted in many Taiji classical arti cles. This article refer to it as the Qi of Taijiquan, or genuine Qi ( At-T,) .
In “Taijiquan Principles”, Master Wang ZongYue said, “Qi sink in Dantian ) . ” In “Thirteen
Posture Song ” Master Wang ZongYue said, “Qi is all over the body with no delay. The stomach
is relaxed and tranquil with Qi boosting
In “Thirteen posture performing method”, Master Wang ZongYue said, “Mind Qi, tranquil, then it can set into bone. Mind guide Qi to body. Also, Mind Qi transfers swiftly. and Qi delivers through nine beads ( , reaching everywhere. Also Qi is the flag”
In “Taijiquan forum”, Master Wu YuXiang said, ” Qi is elevat ing. Also,” In “Taijiquan training,”
Master Yang ChengFu said, ” Downing Qi sink in Dantian. Also, Qi is in Dantian, is elevating, trav els to everywhere of the human body, goes through nine beads.
Qi can transport from one organ to another, from organ to muscles, from muscles to bone, from Dantian to meridian, from tissue to blood.
Above all, mind can guide the production and operation of Qi.
The gas of breathing can only go into the lungs, Qi of Taijiquan can travel to everywhere in the body
The Qi in Taijiquan is different than the gas of breathing. The gas (pronounces as Qi in Chinese) of breathing is air.
Master Za Xi can run Qi in the small meridian circle and through large and small Meridians circles wheri,t3 —performifilg-Tai Chi postures/M-::-
The gas from atmosphere is mainly composed of oxygen and nitrogen. Humans inhale air into lungs, the lungs take in oxygen but release carbon dioxide to the atmosphere.
So, the composition of the inhaled air and exhaled air are different, but they are all composed by gas molecules.
On the contrary, the Qi of “Qi sinks in Dantian” is not composed of gas molecules at all. To differen tiate them, we call the Qi in “Qi sink in Dantian” as genuine Qi (in Chinese, gas and Qi are shearing a same word).
Many articles discuss “what is genuine Qi.” And the conclusions are not unanimous.
Some people contend that genuine Qi and air is similar.
Others believe that genuine Qi is a substance. More people propose that genuine Qi is an electromagnetic wave. Yet additional people suggest that genuine Qi is a pure energy.