It is thought that the qi circulates and enlivens the body and that one can train to move the qi in the body and move the qi outside too.

It is thought the there are about 12 channels or “meridians” in which qi, something that is insubstantial, flows. The qi isn’t only insubstantial, but many think that the qi can’t be experienced directly as one would be able to detect a physical energy.

The qi flows along the channels (meridians) through organs to the limbs and head. Along with the major 12 meridians, there may be perhaps countless tiny tributaries connecting the major meridians and reaching the skin.

Daoist philosophy denotes everything as being a combination of yin and yang. It is thought that the qi is a yin in the body since it itself is formless and difficult to sense. It is thought that the body itself is a yang. Yin is formless and difficult to sense. Yang is form and easily sensed.