In many Eastern philosophies, particularly in Chinese culture, chi (also spelled qi) refers to the vital life force or energy that flows through all living things. It’s a central concept in practices like Traditional Chinese Medicine, martial arts (e.g., Tai Chi), and feng shui. The idea is that chi needs to be balanced and free-flowing for good health, harmony, and vitality. Blockages or imbalances in chi are thought to lead to physical or emotional issues.