often a vague concept, most traditional martial arts prescribe methods of
cultivating and directing this subtle energy for higher-level students. The
benefits are said to include longevity, good health, power to heal injuries,
and power to injure opponents and to break objects.
According to traditional Sino-Japanese medical theory, qi not only
permeates the universe, it also flows through the human body along paths
or meridians. The flow of qi can be regulated through acupuncture, mas-
sage, or mental intent. Indeed, some researchers suggest that qi is both
emotional and physiological.
Qi is particularly important in the Daoist-influenced Chinese internal
martial arts, taijiquan (tai chi ch’uan), baguazhang (pa kua ch’uan), and
xingyiquan (hsing i ch’uan) and in the Japanese arts most affected by aiki-
Ki/Qi 261Qigong masters
demonstrate the
power of qi by
bending swords or
spears thrust into
their throats. (Patrick
Ward/Corbis)