Qi (气) Vital Substance

Zong Qi (Gathering Qi)

宗气 Zōng Qì · Gathering Qi
Also known as: Gathering Qi · Pectoral Qi · Chest Qi · Big Qi of the Chest · Da Qi (Great Qi) · Ancestral Qi · Thoracic Qi

Zong Qi (Gathering Qi) is the vital energy that accumulates in the chest, formed by combining the essence of food with inhaled air. It powers the Heart's blood circulation and the Lung's respiratory function, while also influencing voice strength and warmth of the extremities.

Parent Substance

Qi
宗气

Zōng Qì

Gathering Qi

Educational content · Consult qualified TCM practitioners for diagnosis and treatment

Source & Origin

Zong Qi is classified as a Post-Heaven (后天, Hòu Tiān) Qi, meaning it is produced entirely after birth from environmental and dietary sources—not inherited like Yuan Qi (Original Qi). It has two main source components:

1. Gu Qi (Food Qi): The Spleen and Stomach process the food we eat, extracting nutritional essence called Gu Qi. This refined energy rises from the Middle Burner (middle torso) up to the chest.

2. Qing Qi (Clear Air Qi): The Lungs inhale fresh air from the natural environment, drawing in what TCM calls "clear Qi" or "heavenly Qi."

These two sources meet and combine in the Lungs, where they are transformed into Zong Qi. Therefore, the Spleen, Stomach, and Lungs are all considered essential organs for Zong Qi production. The quality of your food and the air you breathe directly affect the strength of your Zong Qi.

Formation Process

The formation of Zong Qi is a multi-step process involving the digestive and respiratory systems working together:

Step 1 - Food Transformation: When you eat, the Stomach "rots and ripens" the food (breaks it down), and the Spleen transforms it into Gu Qi (Food Qi or Grain Qi). This refined nutritional essence is then transported upward from the Middle Burner to the chest.

Step 2 - Air Intake: Simultaneously, the Lungs inhale fresh air from the environment, extracting Qing Qi (Clear Qi or Air Qi). This represents the pure, vital energy available in the natural atmosphere.

Step 3 - Combination in the Chest: In the Upper Burner (chest area), Gu Qi and Qing Qi meet and combine within the Lungs. Through the Lung's transformative function, these two forms of post-heaven Qi merge to create Zong Qi.

Step 4 - Gathering and Distribution: The newly formed Zong Qi gathers and accumulates in the chest at the "Sea of Qi" (气海), also called Shanzhong (膻中). From here, it is distributed: upward through the throat to support breathing and voice, into the Heart vessels to promote circulation, and downward to the lower Dantian to nourish Yuan Qi.

Location in Body

Zong Qi has a specific location and defined pathways of distribution:

Primary Location: Zong Qi gathers and accumulates in the chest, in an area called the "Sea of Qi" (气海, Qì Hǎi) or "Shanzhong" (膻中, Dàn Zhōng). This corresponds anatomically to the center of the chest, at the level of the heart and lungs. The acupoint REN-17 (Shanzhong) marks this location.

Distribution Pathways:

  • Upward: Exits through the throat to the respiratory tract, governing breathing and voice
  • Into the Heart vessels: Penetrates the cardiac system to promote blood circulation
  • Downward: Flows to the lower Dantian (below the navel) to nourish Yuan Qi, and continues through the Stomach meridian's "Qi Street" down to the legs

The pulse point called "Xu Li" (虚里), located below the left nipple at the heart apex, is the classical site for assessing Zong Qi strength through palpation.

Movement & Flow

Zong Qi has characteristic movement patterns that distinguish it from other forms of Qi:

Gathering Nature: Unlike other forms of Qi that constantly flow, Zong Qi "gathers and does not move" (抟而不行) in the chest. It accumulates at the Sea of Qi (Shanzhong) before being distributed, acting as a reservoir of energy for the Heart and Lungs.

Upward Flow: Zong Qi rises through the throat and respiratory tract to support breathing and voice. This upward movement explains why weak Zong Qi results in a feeble voice and shallow breathing.

Penetrating Movement: Zong Qi penetrates into the Heart vessels (贯心脉) to provide the driving force for blood circulation. This penetrating action connects the respiratory and cardiovascular systems functionally.

Downward Flow: Zong Qi also flows downward to the lower Dantian to supplement Yuan Qi, and continues through the Stomach meridian's Qi Street (气街) to the legs. This downward movement ensures warmth and energy reach the lower extremities.

In-Depth Study

Zong Qi, or Gathering Qi, is one of the most important forms of Qi in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Think of it as the energy that powers your two most vital organs—the Heart and Lungs. It represents the body's ability to breathe and circulate blood, essentially connecting respiration with circulation in a unified function.

This vital substance is formed in the chest by combining the energy extracted from the food you eat with the fresh air you breathe. It accumulates in an area called the "Sea of Qi" (膻中, Dàn Zhōng), located in the center of the chest. From here, it serves as the driving force behind proper breathing, strong heartbeat, and the circulation of blood throughout the body. Zong Qi also influences speech, voice strength, and the warmth of your extremities.

Unlike Yuan Qi (Original Qi), which is inherited from your parents, Zong Qi is entirely post-heaven—meaning it is generated throughout your life from what you eat and breathe. This makes it highly responsive to diet, respiratory health, and environmental factors like air quality.

Historical Context

The concept of Zong Qi was first systematically described in the Huang Di Nei Jing (Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine), particularly in the Ling Shu (Spiritual Pivot), dating to approximately the Han Dynasty (206 BCE – 220 CE). The text established Zong Qi as "the great Qi that gathers in the chest" and defined its relationship to respiration and circulation.

Throughout Chinese medical history, the understanding of Zong Qi evolved. The renowned Qing Dynasty physician Zhang Xichun (张锡纯, 1860-1933) significantly advanced Zong Qi theory in his work Yi Xue Zhong Zhong Can Xi Lu (Records of Medicine Combined with Chinese and Western). He equated Zong Qi with "Da Qi" (Great Qi) and developed the theory of "Zong Qi Sinking" (大气下陷), creating the famous formula Sheng Xian Tang (Raise the Sinking Decoction) to treat conditions where Zong Qi becomes depleted and sinks downward.

Modern TCM practitioners continue to apply these classical concepts, particularly in treating respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, where supporting Zong Qi remains a fundamental therapeutic approach.

Primary Functions

Governs Respiration

走息道以司呼吸

Zong Qi exits through the throat and travels along the respiratory tract ("breath pathway") to control breathing. The strength, depth, and rhythm of your breathing all depend on robust Zong Qi. Weakness leads to shallow breathing, shortness of breath, and a feeble voice.

Promotes Blood Circulation

贯心脉以行气血

Zong Qi "penetrates the Heart vessels" to assist the Heart in pumping blood throughout the body. It provides the driving force behind proper circulation, ensuring blood reaches all tissues and organs. When Zong Qi is weak, circulation becomes sluggish, potentially leading to cold extremities and blood stasis.

Regulates Heart Rhythm

心搏节律

The strength and regularity of the heartbeat are closely tied to Zong Qi. Adequate Zong Qi produces a calm, regular pulse; deficient Zong Qi may cause irregular heartbeat, palpitations, or a weak pulse.

Controls Voice and Speech

司声音言语

Because Zong Qi passes through the throat, it directly influences voice strength and clarity. A strong, resonant voice indicates robust Zong Qi, while a weak, breathy, or low voice suggests deficiency.

Warms the Extremities

温养四肢

Zong Qi helps circulate warmth to the hands and feet. When Zong Qi is deficient, blood and Qi cannot reach the extremities adequately, resulting in cold hands and feet—a classic diagnostic sign.

Supports Sensory Functions

视听言动

Classical texts note that Zong Qi rises to support the nose (smell), ears (hearing), and eyes (vision). It also provides the energy for physical movement and activity.

Nourishes Yuan Qi

资先天

Zong Qi flows downward to the lower Dantian (below the navel) to supplement and support the Kidney's Yuan Qi. This creates a reciprocal relationship where post-heaven Qi supports pre-heaven Qi, and vice versa.

Relationship to Organs

Lungs

Produces

The Lungs are the primary site where Zong Qi is formed. They combine inhaled air (Qing Qi) with Food Qi (Gu Qi) from the Spleen. Lung function directly determines Zong Qi strength.

Heart

Governs

Zong Qi 'penetrates the Heart vessels' to support the Heart's function of circulating blood. The Heart and Zong Qi mutually nourish each other.

Spleen

Produces

The Spleen transforms food into Gu Qi (Food Qi), which rises to the chest as one of the two essential components of Zong Qi. Spleen weakness impairs Zong Qi formation.

Stomach

Produces

The Stomach receives and 'rots and ripens' food, initiating the digestive process that creates Gu Qi. The 'great network of the Stomach' (Xu Li) reflects Zong Qi status.

Kidneys

Transforms

Zong Qi flows downward to supplement Kidney Yuan Qi, while Yuan Qi rises to support Zong Qi formation. This mutual support connects pre-heaven and post-heaven Qi.

Relationship to Other Substances

Yuan Qi (Original Qi)

Zong Qi and Yuan Qi have a mutually supportive relationship connecting post-heaven and pre-heaven energies. Yuan Qi rises from the Kidneys to assist in the transformation of Zong Qi. In return, Zong Qi flows downward to the Dantian to nourish and supplement Yuan Qi. With the help of Yuan Qi, Zong Qi is further transformed into Zhen Qi (True Qi).

Gu Qi (Food Qi)

Gu Qi is one of the two essential raw materials for Zong Qi formation. Extracted from food by the Spleen and Stomach, Gu Qi rises to the chest where it combines with air Qi to create Zong Qi. The quality and quantity of Gu Qi directly determines Zong Qi strength.

Qi

Zong Qi is transformed into Zhen Qi (True Qi) with the assistance of Yuan Qi. Zhen Qi then divides into Ying Qi (Nutritive Qi) that flows inside the vessels, and Wei Qi (Defensive Qi) that flows outside the vessels. Thus, Zong Qi is the precursor to the body's circulating Qi.

Xue (Blood)

Zong Qi provides the motive force that helps the Heart circulate Blood through the vessels. When Zong Qi is strong, Blood flows smoothly; when Zong Qi is weak, Blood circulation becomes sluggish, potentially leading to blood stasis.

Ying Qi (Nutritive Qi)

Ying Qi is derived from Zhen Qi, which itself comes from Zong Qi. Ying Qi flows within the blood vessels alongside Blood, providing nourishment to the entire body. The chest (where Zong Qi gathers) is the starting point for Ying Qi's circulation through the meridians.

Wei Qi (Defensive Qi)

Wei Qi is the yang aspect of Zhen Qi, which derives from Zong Qi. While Wei Qi flows outside the vessels to protect the body's surface, its ultimate source traces back to the transformation of Zong Qi in the chest.

Tongue Signs

Zong Qi Deficiency:

  • Pale tongue body - indicates overall Qi and Blood deficiency
  • Thin white coating - suggests lack of nourishment reaching the surface
  • Tongue may appear swollen or puffy with teeth marks - indicates Spleen Qi deficiency affecting Zong Qi production
  • Short or contracted tongue - reflects insufficient Qi to extend the tongue properly

Zong Qi Stagnation (with accompanying Qi stagnation):

  • Purple or dusky tongue - indicates Qi stagnation leading to blood stasis
  • Distended sublingual veins - suggests poor circulation in the chest area

Pulse Signs

Zong Qi Deficiency:

  • Weak pulse (无力脉) - lacks force, reflecting insufficient Qi to propel blood
  • Thin pulse (细脉) - blood vessels not adequately filled
  • Slow pulse - may indicate Qi deficiency affecting Heart function
  • Irregular pulse (结代脉) - skipped beats or irregular rhythm due to Heart Qi weakness
  • Short pulse - fails to reach normal length, indicating Qi shortage

Xu Li Pulse (below left nipple):

  • Normal: visible gentle pulsation indicates healthy Zong Qi
  • Deficiency: weak or absent pulsation indicates depleted Zong Qi
  • Severe deficiency: pulsation "visible through clothing" (abnormally forceful) paradoxically indicates critical depletion
  • Absence: "Xu Li pulse ceasing" is considered a grave sign

Deficiency When Zong Qi (Gathering Qi) is insufficient

When Zong Qi becomes deficient, both respiratory and circulatory functions suffer. Since Zong Qi powers the Lungs and Heart, deficiency manifests primarily in these two organ systems.

Respiratory symptoms: Shortness of breath, shallow breathing, weak or low voice, difficulty speaking loudly or for extended periods, and a reluctance to talk. Breathing may become labored even with minimal exertion.

Circulatory symptoms: Cold hands and feet (especially the hands), poor circulation, pale complexion, and fatigue. The heartbeat may become weak, irregular, or prone to palpitations.

General symptoms: Overall weakness and exhaustion, low energy, feeling of emptiness or hollowness in the chest, spontaneous sweating, and susceptibility to colds and respiratory infections. In severe cases, the pulse at Xu Li point (below the left nipple) becomes barely perceptible, indicating critical Zong Qi depletion.

Emotional disturbances—particularly grief and sadness—can directly deplete Zong Qi by impairing Lung Qi, which is essential for its formation.

Clinical Signs

Weak or low voice Shortness of breath Shallow breathing Cold hands and feet Fatigue and exhaustion Palpitations Reluctance to speak Pale complexion Spontaneous sweating Weak limbs Chest oppression or emptiness Irregular heartbeat Exercise intolerance

Excess When Zong Qi (Gathering Qi) is in surplus

Pure excess of Zong Qi is not a commonly recognized pattern in TCM. However, pathological conditions in the chest area where Zong Qi resides can involve excess patterns:

Qi Stagnation in the Chest: When Qi movement in the chest becomes blocked—often due to emotional stress, particularly grief or frustration—symptoms include chest tightness, sighing, feeling of fullness or oppression in the chest, and difficulty taking a deep breath. This is more accurately described as Qi stagnation rather than Zong Qi excess.

Phlegm Obstruction: Phlegm accumulating in the chest can obstruct Zong Qi movement, causing symptoms like chest congestion, productive cough, and sensation of heaviness. This represents a pathological obstruction rather than true Zong Qi excess.

The key distinction is that unlike Blood or Body Fluids, Qi imbalances typically manifest as deficiency or stagnation rather than true excess.

Clinical Signs

Chest tightness or fullness Difficulty taking deep breaths Frequent sighing Sensation of chest oppression Chest distension Irritability

Stagnation When Zong Qi (Gathering Qi) fails to flow

Zong Qi stagnation occurs when the normally smooth flow of Qi in the chest becomes blocked or obstructed. This can result from several causes:

Emotional Factors: Grief, sadness, and worry particularly affect the Lungs and chest, causing Qi to stagnate. Prolonged emotional suppression leads to Qi constraint in the chest area.

Phlegm Obstruction: Accumulated phlegm in the chest creates physical blockage that impairs Zong Qi circulation. This commonly occurs in chronic respiratory conditions.

Blood Stasis: When Zong Qi is weak and cannot properly move Blood, blood stasis develops in the chest, which then further obstructs Qi flow—creating a vicious cycle.

Clinical Manifestations: Chest tightness or pain, difficulty breathing deeply, sighing frequently (attempting to move stuck Qi), sensation of something blocking the chest, and in severe cases, stabbing chest pain. The emotional component often manifests as depression, feeling "stuck," or inability to express oneself.

Clinical Signs

Chest tightness or oppression Frequent sighing Difficulty taking deep breaths Chest pain (may be stabbing) Feeling of something stuck in chest Depression or emotional constraint Purple or dusky lips Dark complexion Distended sublingual veins

How to Nourish Zong Qi (Gathering Qi)

Dietary Approaches:

  • Eat warm, easily digestible foods that support Spleen function - soups, congees, cooked grains, and root vegetables
  • Avoid cold, raw foods that tax the digestive system
  • Include Qi-tonifying foods like chicken, beef, rice, sweet potatoes, and dates
  • Eat at regular times in a calm environment to optimize digestion

Breathing Practices:

  • Practice deep diaphragmatic breathing to maximize Qing Qi absorption
  • Qi Gong exercises, especially those focusing on the chest, directly cultivate Zong Qi
  • Spend time outdoors in clean, fresh air
  • Avoid polluted environments that damage Lung function

Lifestyle Recommendations:

  • Moderate cardiovascular exercise (walking, swimming) strengthens both Lung capacity and circulation
  • Avoid overexertion which depletes Qi
  • Manage grief and sadness, which specifically deplete Lung Qi and harm Zong Qi
  • Get adequate rest to allow Qi regeneration

Acupuncture and Herbal Support:

  • Regular stimulation of REN-17, ST-36, and REN-6 supports Zong Qi
  • Herbs like Huang Qi (Astragalus), Ren Shen (Ginseng), and Dang Shen (Codonopsis) tonify the source organs

Clinical Relevance

Diagnostic Assessment: The strength of Zong Qi can be assessed through several clinical signs: voice strength (weak voice = weak Zong Qi), breathing depth, warmth of extremities (cold hands = poor circulation from Zong Qi deficiency), and the pulse at the Xu Li point below the left nipple. A visible, forceful pulsation indicates strong Zong Qi; absence or weakness indicates deficiency.

Common Conditions: Zong Qi deficiency patterns frequently appear in chronic respiratory diseases (COPD, chronic bronchitis, asthma), cardiovascular conditions (heart failure, arrhythmias, poor circulation), and general fatigue states. Patients typically present with shortness of breath, weak voice, cold extremities, and exhaustion.

Treatment Principles: Treatment focuses on tonifying Lung and Spleen Qi to support Zong Qi production. Key strategies include strengthening digestion (to produce quality Gu Qi), improving respiratory function (to absorb Qing Qi), and using acupoints and herbs that directly tonify chest Qi. For "sinking Zong Qi" patterns, lifting and raising treatments are employed.

Classical Sources

Ling Shu (Spiritual Pivot)

Chapter 71 - Xie Ke (Evil Guests)

宗气积于胸中，出于喉咙，以贯心脉，而行呼吸焉

Zong Qi accumulates in the chest, exits through the throat, penetrates the Heart vessels, and governs respiration

Ling Shu (Spiritual Pivot)

Chapter 5 - Wu Wei (Five Flavors)

其大气之抟而不行者，积于胸中，命曰气海

The great Qi that gathers and does not move is stored in the chest, called the Sea of Qi

Su Wen (Simple Questions)

Ping Ren Qi Xiang Lun (On Normal Human Qi)

胃之大络，名曰虚里，贯膈络肺，出于左乳下，其动应衣，脉宗气也

The great network of the Stomach, called Xu Li, penetrates the diaphragm and connects to the Lungs, emerging below the left breast; its pulsation is visible through clothing—this is the pulse of Zong Qi

Ling Shu (Spiritual Pivot)

Xie Qi Zang Fu Bing Xing (Evil Qi and Organ Diseases)

其宗气上出于鼻而为臭

Zong Qi rises to the nose and governs the sense of smell

Modern References

The Foundations of Chinese Medicine: A Comprehensive Text for Acupuncturists and Herbalists

Giovanni Maciocia (2015)

Comprehensive discussion of Zong Qi formation, functions, and clinical applications in modern TCM practice

The Web That Has No Weaver: Understanding Chinese Medicine

Ted J. Kaptchuk (2000)

Accessible explanation of Qi classification including Zong Qi for Western readers

Chinese Acupuncture and Moxibustion

Cheng Xinnong (editor) (2010)

Standard TCM textbook with authoritative coverage of Zong Qi in the context of vital substances theory

Yi Xue Zhong Zhong Can Xi Lu (Records of Medicine Combined with Chinese and Western)

Zhang Xichun (1918)

Classical text that developed the Da Qi (Great Qi) theory equating it with Zong Qi, and created formulas for Zong Qi deficiency