Prāṇa vs Qì: What Yoga and Traditional Chinese Medicine Teach Us About Healing Energy
If there’s one thing I’ve learned in my years of juggling motherhood, running a therapy practice, and teaching yoga, it’s this: healing starts with the breath.
I first encountered the idea of prāṇa — the Sanskrit word for life force energy — during my yoga teacher training. Over time, it became much more than a philosophy; it became a lifeline. Prāṇa showed up for me during postpartum exhaustion, burnout, anxiety attacks, and yes, even the day I signed my divorce papers.
But healing isn’t one-size-fits-all. Over 10 years ago, I began working with Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) doctors and acupuncturists for chronic pain, hormonal imbalance and digestive issues. Through acupuncture sessions and herbs, I was introduced to qì (also spelled qi or chi) — the Chinese concept of vital life energy. That experience shaped not only my health journey, but also the way I work with clients today.
This blog explores the similarities and differences between prāṇa and qì, two ancient energy systems from India and China. Whether you’re a yogi, a fan of acupuncture, or just curious about how energy healing works, this post is for you.
What is Prāṇa? The Yogic Perspective on Life Force
In yoga and Ayurveda, prāṇa is the vital life force that sustains all living beings. It’s not just the breath we inhale — it’s the subtle energy that moves through nāḍīs (energy channels) and collects in chakras (energy centers).
As a therapist and yoga teacher, I often guide clients and students through practices like prāṇāyāma (breath control) to help manage stress, anxiety, and emotional overwhelm. When prāṇa flows freely, we feel energized, connected, and mentally clear.
There are five types of prāṇa, called vāyus, each responsible for different bodily and energetic functions — from grounding and digestion to circulation and spiritual upliftment.
What is Qì? Understanding Energy in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Qì (氣) is the life force energy in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). It’s believed to flow through meridians, a network of channels similar in concept to yogic nāḍīs. When qì is blocked or imbalanced, illness, fatigue, or emotional distress may occur.
I’ve seen TCM doctors and received acupuncture treatments for over 15 years now. These sessions — along with Chinese herbal medicine — have helped me through fatigue, hormonal shifts, stress, and digestive issues. It’s been a foundational part of my healing journey, one I regularly recommend to clients.
In TCM, qì is also closely related to yin-yang theory and the Five Elements — earth, fire, water, metal, and wood — which describe how our internal energy mirrors natural cycles and rhythms.
Prāṇa vs Qì: Similarities Between Yoga and TCM Energy Healing
If you’re wondering whether prāṇa and qì are the same, the short answer is: almost. Both are ancient ways of describing subtle energy that flows through and sustains the body.
Here’s what they have in common:
Both are considered essential life energies
Flow through energetic channels (nāḍīs vs meridians)
Can be cultivated, strengthened, or balanced
Are central to holistic healing systems: yoga/Ayurveda and TCM
Respond to breath, intention, and subtle movement
As someone who has lived and worked with both systems for years, I see them as complementary tools in the same spiritual toolbox.
Key Differences Between Prāṇa and Qì
While they share a lot, there are important differences that reflect the philosophies they come from:
Prāṇa
Origin: India (Vedic texts, Yoga & Ayurveda)
Channels: Nāḍīs & chakras
Practices: Prāṇāyāma, yoga & meditation
Energy Focus: Liberation & spiritual awakening
My experience: Energizing, inward & spiritually clarifying
Qì
Origin: China (Daoism, Confucianism & TCM)
Channels: Meridians & organ systems
Practices: Acupuncture, herbs, cupping & food therapy
Energy Focus: Harmony, balance & longevity
My Experience: Grounding, nourishing & physically restorative
Blending Yoga and Traditional Chinese Medicine in Real Life
These days, my healing routine is a blend of both. I start my mornings with gentle breathwork, practice yoga during the week, and book acupuncture appointments when I feel off. I rely on my TCM herbal formulas the same way others reach for supplements or coffee — except these herbs have helped me feel more grounded and energized than any quick fix ever could.
I don’t believe we need to pick one path. The body is wise, and it recognizes healing — whether it comes from the breath, a needle, or a cup of warming herbs.
A Gentle Invitation
If you’ve only experienced yoga and prāṇa-based practices, I encourage you to explore what Traditional Chinese Medicine might offer — even if it's just one acupuncture session or a custom herbal blend. And if you’ve worked with TCM but haven’t yet explored prāṇāyāma or chakra-based practices, that’s another beautiful door waiting to be opened.
Because healing isn’t linear, and energy isn’t one-dimensional. We are complex, beautiful systems and we deserve to be met with curiosity, compassion, and care.
