Source qì

The basic form of qì in the body, which is made up of a combination of three other forms: the essential qì of the kidney; qì of grain and water, derived through the movement and transformation function of the spleen; and air (great qì) drawn in through the lung. Source qì springs from the kidney (or life gate) and is stored in the cinnabar field dān tián, the area three cùn below the umbilicus); it reaches all parts of the body through the pathways of the triple burner, activating all the organs. It is the basis of all physiological activity. All other forms of qì inherent in the body are considered to be manifestations or derivatives of source qì. Source qì can be stimulated through the source points of each channel. Compare original qì.