(5 pages total) Although much of modern research and discussion
of ways to enhance our experience of Qi revolve around bodymind
breathing disciplines such as Qigong and Taijiquan, traditional
Chinese medicine recognizes dietary discipline as equally
fundamental in this respect. Indeed, in the Spiritual Axis (Ling
Shu Jing), it is said that "If no food is eaten for half a day,
Qi is weakened, if no food is eaten for a whole day, Qi is
depleted." This clearly emphasizes the importance of dietary
discipline in a lifestyle that is designed to enhance personal
experience of Qi. Interestingly, traditional Chinese medicine
maintains that human Qi originates with guQi, which literally
means "Qi of grains." Thus Chinese medicine recognizes grains in
particular, rice, but also all other grains as the foundation of
human vitality. In fact, according to Chinese herbology, the
taste of grains is generally sweet, and this flavor tonifies the
Spleen and Stomach, which together are the organs responsible
for transforming guQ