Qi And Quantum Physics; Old Meets New Or East Meets West

By Dr. Marlene Smith-Schalkwijk, DVM

What is Qi?
The purpose of this paper is to help to bring some understanding of the phenomena of Qi and energy from the “new” science of quantum physics. One of the many stumbling blocks we as western trained doctors and scientists have is that our understanding and knowledge is based in the particle principle. This philosophy goes back to the 1700’s, when the scientific view of the world was based on the concept of Newton. His perspective of the world was that everything consists out of particles only. It puts the physical body on the same level as a car or any other mechanic device.

The metaphysical and emotional aspects of disease were not a part of the medical science. They were separated and moved to the church, psychiatrist or the burn piles. Our understanding and teaching of anatomy, physiology, and pharmacology is still based on this principle. Anything else is seen as unscientific, witchcraft, voodoo, evidence based medicine etc. Modern research done by outstanding scientists such as Candace Pert (Molecules of Emotions), Bruce Lipton (Biology of Belief), Fritjof Capra and many others bring back the notion and proof of the presence or “energy”.

In 1925 Albert Einstein concluded that particles consist out of energy. He came to that conclusion by trying to predict in a mathematical way the behavior of particles. It turned out that he could not always the behavior of these particles. He came to the conclusion that there was another (magnetic) force at work that influenced the particles. He was the creator of the now well-known formula of E=m.c2!

E stands for energy; m for mass and the c represents the speed of light. We all accept Einstein’s concept in our daily lives; our cell-phone and satellite communications, radio and TV, Ultrasound, X-ray and MRI are all based on Einstein’s concept! Science has accepted that the quantum theory applies to sub-atomic and regular particles.

If we now apply Einstein’s Quantum theory to biology and medicine we get Quantum Medicine, which says that the physical body and all its parts consist of energy and that these parts can be subject to changes if their energy or the surrounding energy changes! These particles of the body can transform themselves into pure energy, which is no longer visible to the eye! This sounds a lot like what the Chinese were saying when they talked about Qi and its transformation! It is certainly what Niels Bohr thought it was when he tried to understand Einstein’s Quantum philosophy. He (Niels) even put the Taiji symbol in his coat of arms! His explanation of the transformation of energy (Yang) transforming into particles (Yin) was inspired by the Chinese philosophy of the Yin / Yang transformation and that it is the energy generated by that transformation that is called Qi and makes existence on this planet possible (A Brief History of Qi, Zhang Yu Huan & Ken Rose). Lynn McTaggart in her book “The Field” refers to the application of quantum physics to explain how homeopathy works in reference to the energetics of homeopathic remedies and their dilutions.

Qi and quantum physics have in common that they both talk about the non- physical energies of material things. What are the Chinese (Qi) and Einstein (Quantum physics) talking about? Are they talking about the same thing? Qi is the word used for energy in Traditional Chinese philosophy and medicine. In India it is referred to as Prana, in homeopathy it is called Life Force. In the old Chinese textbooks, the NanJing (approximately 3000 years ago) it is recorded that everything we know is a form of “Qi”. This Qi constantly changes, moves and transforms itself. From its pure vibrational energetic form (not visible to us) it transforms itself through condensation into the material form; being an animal, tree or plant. These forms of energy are referred to as Yang the energetic, expanding form of energy and Yin, the material, condensed form of Qi. Every material particle or part of it will still have its own very unique energy or Heavenly Qi. This also applies to the physical body, its organs, blood etc. The Qi or energy of these parts or bodies will resonate with each other and the environment.

These are the energetic resonance talked about in TCM as the Wood Element (Liver and Gallbladder) resonates with the wood, spring, color of green, the emotion of anger, resentment and frustration and the element of the wind. The research of Candace Pert shows the relationship between emotions and the release of specific neuro-peptides in the body (not just the brain). These neuro-peptides are picked up by specific cell receptors changing the function of the cell. The philosophy of acupuncture is based on the release of neuro-peptides and endorphin receptors. Candace Pert found that these neuro-peptides are released at every cell and that the intestine has more endorphin receptors then any other organ in the body! Her work lays a link between the 5 Element emotional component and predisposition for diseases.

The work of Bruce Lipton lays the link of internal and external (environmental) signals fitting on these cell receptors, which enables them to enter the cell and turn on certain processes in the cell. These processes may range from the production of insulin when the blood sugar level drops, to adrenaline hormones released with the emotion of fear. External signals could be as simple as someone observing or staring at another person; if there is a negative bad intent the adrenal can respond with releasing stress or fear hormones. Distance does not play any role in quantum physics and this can explain such phenomena as telepathic knowing or perception. Environmental changes such as the change of barometric pressure are also picked up by the body; maybe via the hypothalamus, and can release neuro-peptides in the body increasing inflammatory responses such as flair up of immune mediated arthritis or IBD. This would correlate to the phenomena of Wind in TCM, increasing low level of Qi stagnation and creating more Qi stagnation and pain.

Darwin and Jean Baptist Lamarck
Most of our evolutionary theory is based on the understanding of Charles Darwin. His theory favors the survival of the fittest. Also the DNA supremacy is the basis of our thinking. These two theories may not be 100 % accurate just as Einstein proved that the world is not 100% based on particles.

Lamarck postulated that evolution occurred through cooperation of cell communities. According to his theory single cells came together and formed a small colony. To be able to perceive what was happening in the periphery, cells specialized and set up a communication system (brain, nervous system, blood circulation etc.). These cells still needed to communicate with each other, through neuro-peptides and cell synapses (Lipton). These cell synapses are also used to communicate with the outside world so the cell community can respond to changes in the environment. Lamarck’s theory is that survival is not based on the strongest individual of the group, but the organism most equipped and best responding to the changes in the environment will survive.
These new forms of science and on the “edge scientists” most certainly provide interesting food for thought and may help to prove the how and why TCM functions from a "Western scientific" perspective.

References:

1. A Brief History of Qi;  Zhang Yu Huan and Ken Rose Paradigm publications
2. The Web of Life; Fritjof Capra Anchor Books
3. The Biology of Belief ; Bruce Lipton Mountain of Love/Elite Books, Santa Rosa Ca.
4. Molecules of Emotions; Candace B. Pert, Ph.D. Scribner New York, 2003
5. The Quantum Self; Danah Zohar William Morrow New York
6. The Dancing Wu Li Masters; Gary Zukav Bantam New Age Books
7. The Field; Lynne McTaggart Harper Collins Publisher

Back to articles