Characterization of Qi in Modern and Classical Chinese Traditional Medical Discourse — Presentation Detail — Celebration of Scholars

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The following points should be addressed within the selected format or style for the abstract:

A clear statement of the problem or question you pursued, or the scholarly goal or creative theme achieved in your work.
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Additional Information

More information is available at carthage.edu/celebration-scholars/. The following are members of the Research, Scholarship, and Creativity Committee who are eager to listen to ideas and answer questions:

Jun Wang
Kim Instenes
John Kirk
Nora Nickels
Andrew Pustina
James Ripley

Characterization of Qi in Modern and Classical Chinese Traditional Medical Discourse

Name: Elizabeth Lanum
Major: Biology
Hometown: Kenosha
Faculty Sponsor:
Other Sponsors:
Type of research: SURE
Funding: SURE

Abstract

What is the vital force or energy? In traditional Chinese medicine this concept is called Qi. Qi is important because to many people Qi directly affects their life and their health. It connects every being and is essential for survival. Without Qi, one cannot survive. The objective of this study is to compare references of Qi in ancient and contemporary sources to determine if the Qi concept stayed consistent between the traditional Chinese texts and modern media. Due to the change in media from textbooks to new technology, it is possible for concepts such as Qi to evolve and change. Classic texts and modern media were examined to determine variation in the perception of Qi. Along with books, modern media included a weekly program that is widely watched in China and interviews with Chinese people. The data consisted of various characterizations of Qi. The data show two emerging patterns in which the concept of Qi has been stable, or “frozen,” but also that it has changed and developed. In the formal Traditional Chinese Medicine Qi has been a stable concept. In the informal setting however, the concept of Qi has altered.

Poster file