Qi, as a sort of refined substance full of vigor, plays a promoting and activating role in the growth and development of the human body, the physiological activities of the zang-fu organs and meridians, the production and circulation of blood, as well as the production, distribution and excretion of body fluid.
Qi has defending function to defend the body surface against the exogenous pathogens and to combat with the invaded exogenous pathogens to drive them out of the body.
Qi transformation may be defined as various kinds of changes brought about by the movement of Qi. Concretely speaking, it refers to the respective metabolism of essence, Qi, blood and body fluid and their reciprocal transformation.
According to the sources, functions and distributions, Qi is divided into four types: primordial (Yuan Qi), genuine Qi (Zhen Qi), pectoral Qi (Zhong Qi), nutritive Qi( Ying Qi) and defensive Qi (Wei Qi).
Shen is generally translated as the spirit/mind that forms the active force for maintaining form and providing consciousness. When it is disordered, the form of a person changes and consciousness becomes disturbed in ways that western psychology describes as "neurotic" or "schizoid".
The principle of relaxation integrates the attributes of the other principles and adds a harmonizing aspect. Relaxation refers not only to the neuromuscular and endocrine condition of the body, but also to the emotional and mental manner in which the activity of Qi Gong is performed.
The principle of concentration can be understood as the active mental component of an activity. The idea of intention or mind intent - mindfulness - implies a level of attention involved in performing an activity. Another implication is that the awareness of the practitioner is joined with the intention required to perform the activity.
In the practice of all forms of Qigong, including the various styles of Taiji, there are a few guidelines that will give the most rapid growth and learning while helping you to stay in the comfort zone.
Taiji and Qigong are intended to assist you in self healing and to help you become more enduring and vital. Take it very, very easy. Ease helps to activate the Qi.
Relax deeply and allow the mind to be free of concerns and considerations. In China this state of mind is sometimes called "cheerful disinterest", "neutral" and "emptiness".
1st Warning- Learning Qigong from a book, a video or even a great teacher is always frustrating particularly because of your longing to perfect the practice, now.
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