Hi, great discussion as always. Let's not get off the topic of this thread (though I realize that Qi is a broad subject).
Some points:
1. Dr. Yang did already discuss this "to the best of his ability", by writing several books and DVDs that contain his knowledge, shared openly. If you haven't read/viewed them, then don't disparage his sharing of info. He is much busier than most people and simply does not have time to address forum threads. That's why a few of us are here to moderate his forum. Dr. Yang discusses yin and yang Qi at great length. A quick glance at any acupuncture chart will also show you yin and yang meridians. Similarly, TCM discusses different qualities of Qi, such as Liver (wood) Qi, Kidney (water) Qi. Answers to all these debates can be readily found in the materials I mentioned:
http://www.ymaa.com/publishing/dvd/qigong
http://www.ymaa.com/publishing/books/qigong
I highly recommend:
http://www.ymaa.com/publishing/dvd/qigo ... igong_DVD1
2. The chinese word 'Qi' is not open for debate. It has a single definition:
Qi means energy. The character for Qi is comprised of two other characters "air + rice". So, while the breath relates to Qi, Qi is not only 'breath'.
The air we breathe plus the food we eat (and fat we burn) is metabolized into energy = qi.
What is energy? Particle? No. Wave? No. String theory? Membrane? Read all you want to about it and you'll find there is no consensus. So, energy in general is both mundane and highly mystical, depending upon your insight.
How does energy travel in the body? Meridians and Vessels? Intercellular circulation through sodium and potassium channels? Through the fascia? Yes yes and yes. Does one discount the other? No. They are different ways of speaking of the same fundamental thing, Qi.
Energy manifests as light, heat, magnetic field, etc. Is it one? No, its two. Is it two? No, its one. The fundamental nature of all energy in the universe is transformation. The "atoms" in your body may once have been in the center of a star.
No, really.
http://www.physicscentral.com/poster-stardust.cfm
3. Qi is physical. Qi is real. It is not a metaphor. In Taiji, and all Internal arts, or soft-hard martial styles, you use Qi-Li: muscles supported by increased Qi circulation. I think few people today cultivate their qi to the point of using it against an opponent with no muscular force, as in the stories from ancient times of old masters shocking their opponent. Is that possible? I think yes. Consider an electric eel. Until you feel your Qi, you only have a mental concept of what it is based on what you've read, and unfortunately that has led to a lot of people speculating wildly.
This new "Qi-free" Taiji movement is an example of well-intentioned people who want to preserve the martial aspects of taijiquan, but who have not followed the traditional path of learning from a master who understands the concept of an 'Internal' art. Some of them also have a Christian-revisionist agenda against Taoism.
4. Everything to do with the 100 trillion living cells of the human body pertains to Qi. Including telepathy. A brain-wave-length is a measurement of
electrical activity in the brain. Qi activity. As your Qi cultivation increases, so does the amplitude of brainwaves. Such things as telepathy, seeing through objects, levitation, etc. are considered "branches and flowers" - these naturally occurring phenomena are normal and healthy, but it is recommended that one does not focus on them, and get distracted from the real goal of cultivating Qi.
The more you focus on being present in the moment and preserving your Qi (samadhi), the more such things will happen.
5. Cultivating Qi to a truly higher, abundant capacity is long term process that takes kung fu: time and effort, to accumulate. I have been at it for ten years and I highly recommend that anyone truly interested in Qi and health practice diligently, and enjoy the surprising benefits of qigong. As Da Mo said "Time is precious, don't waste your life!"
http://www.ymaa.com/articles/basic-conc ... and-qigong
http://www.ymaa.com/articles/basic-conc ... gong-part2
http://www.ymaa.com/articles/qigong-med ... -breathing
Hope this helps,
David Silver
YMAA Qigong Instructor