Ki (jap. oder Chi (chin.) is the term used for the universal energy of life. According to the philosophy of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) this energy is flowing through the body in the vessels of meridians. There are three different sources of Ki. The first, renewable Ki is absorbed through breathing. The second, also renewable Ki is absorbed through eating. The third and only Ki we have no influence on is the essential Ki. This Ki is genetically inherited from our parents.