Qi is the the energy or life force that exists within all things and is an underlying principle within Traditional Chinese Medicine. The concept of qi has been a part of many traditional Asian philosophies since the fifth century BCE. Qi encompasses components of yin and yang energy; when these are in harmony with one another there is health, well-being, and contentment. Imbalanced or blocked qi can be the underlying cause of physical, mental, and spiritual illness, discomfort, or suffering. Practices such as acupuncture or qigong can balance, unblock, or develop one’s qi.