One of the most argued topic in Chinese martial arts and traditional Chinese medicine is the exisience of Qi. So does Qi really exist? The answer is YES.... and NO.
The problem is, a lot of people had turned the concept of Qi into some esoteric mystical "Jedi Force" in order to make a dollar. Subsequently, the smarter section of the public becomes so sick of the superstition surrounding it the whole Qi concept became a farce.
In my opinion, the Qi concept is a empirical model that explains certain observable phenomenon and a method to achieve certain results. Ancient Chinese had no sophisticated machines to look at cellular processes. It is also a way for the body to comunicate certain information with the consciousness. A form of "Synesthesia". For thousands of year, through trial and error, the Qi theory had become quite water tight and useful in many situations. In Tai Chi it is a good way to help align and consolidate body structures, and to help the practitioner "listen to" his/her body and the opponents'.
If we do have to dissect the nature of Qi in Western scientific terms, I believe it is a function of normal physiology, neuro-anatomy, psychology and possibly some other natural biological functions that requires more scientific studies.
If an apple drops on my head, I will most probably end up eating it and feeling good about it afterwards; We only need one Isaac Newton every so often. Same as, if the concept of Qi can help you achieve a certain goal, there is no need to super-analyse it. If you believe in it, that's great. If you don't, just call it something else that you are comfortable with and see whether it can take you somewhere.
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