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How does the concept of qi influence traditional Chinese medicine?

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Moxibustion — traditional Chinese medicine In moxibustion, or moxa treatment, small cones of an herb (typically *Artemisia moxa*) are burned on top of needles placed in designated points of the body, generally the same points as those used in acupuncture.

In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), the concept of qi—often described as a vital force or life breath—is fundamental to understanding health and disease.12

Qi is believed to flow through an invisible network of channels known as meridians, which connect the body’s organs, tissues, and systems. TCM theory posits that health depends on the balanced flow of this energy. When qi becomes unbalanced or obstructed, it can lead to illness. Practitioners diagnose these imbalances by assessing how qi interacts with the body's yin and yang and the wuxing (Five Phases).21

To restore harmony, practitioners use various techniques to stimulate meridians and adjust the flow of qi, including:

Acupuncture: Inserting needles into specific points to readjust energy flow.2
Acupressure: Using massage to stimulate these same points.2
Moxibustion: Burning herbs at acupuncture points.2
Holistic Planning: Incorporating herbs, dietary changes, and lifestyle adjustments based on the correspondences between organs, time, and the five elements.2

By managing qi, practitioners aim to alleviate symptoms and support overall physiological and emotional well-being.2