From my understanding, Taoism isn’t really a theist religion and therefore as an atheist I don’t have a real opinion of it. I’m also a naturalist, however, and I’ll give you my opinion based on that.

I think that when you say, “I can feel the chi and I know what it is”, you are making the same sort of statement as a christian who says, “I feel the power of God”.

It’s inherently a supernatural sort of statement, and that makes it hard to do anything with, since scientifically we can only measure natural phenomena.

Or, to put it another way, you saying that and me saying that I feel the love the of the flying spagehetti monster are equally silly. (bless his noodley appendages). We’re both make statements that cannot be proven.

The question I would ask you is, “How do you know that you feel the chi, and that your belief isn’t just a fabrication of your mind?”

I’m very leary of holding beliefs that have no way of being disproven.

Now, on the other hand, there are well-documented benefits to some people of meditation, and to that extent you may get a nice benefit from your practice, as theists may get by their prayer.

Posted: January 9th 2009

See all questions answered by Eric_PK

I’ve done a fair amount of qigong myself, and I have had the direct 'physical’ sensation of qi passing through my body and such. I really enjoy this kind of thing, but it’s psychosomatic, an exercise in auto-suggestion.

I’ve seen studies which show that taiji and qigong have health benefits. I would guess that the cause is a combination of meditation and physical activity, both of which have proven benefits (especially the latter). I find qigong very relaxing and I wish I found more time for it. I’ve found yoga to be better exercise, but I don’t get the same meditative feeling when I do it.

Posted: January 9th 2009

See all questions answered by George Locke

Life energy (or Chi) is a useless hypothesis which has never been shown to have any explanatory, predicting potency, or effective clinical application. How much Chi is needed in order to get the desired results? It doesn’t matter? Then not having any Chi at all is equally desirable. How about the quality of Chi, can it be indicated? No. So why huff and puff trying to get it flowing?

Life energy got started before science-based medicine was established, and its lure is still attracting gullible, ignorant people. One recent manifestation of this nonsense is the PAPIMI machine, a fraudulent “energy healing” devise. Life energy is also the non-proven and ineffective magic that is behind therapeutic touch, acupuncture (Chi), yogic awakening via Kundalini chakra work releasing prana (life force), Chiropractic, etc.

Approaches using the fabled life energy are a dime a dozen, and they exist all over the world, in many different cultures, East and West (which gave birth to Vitalism). This ubiquitous presence fuels supporters of this silly perspective to believe that they can resort to the red herring fallacy of Argumentum ad Populum to buttress their non-evidential belief. They can’t for they do not have an evidence-based leg to stand on to demonstrate that any of these approaches are more powerful than a placebo which means they are essentially clinically non-effective.

Feelings do not constitute the deciding factor in showing that something is real, true, and effective. Nor does the lack of feeling (as I heard recently an elderly lady stating that she couldn’t have weak bones, because she did not feel the weakness) indicate that there is not something significant happening. Because of our rather wonky, cobbled-together-from-evolution, computer-simulation software which are our working brains, we need to be extremely vigilant in guarding against the embracing of crapola.

Mediation, on the other hand, which results in relaxing and easing mental, emotional, and physical stress, is a modality embraced by science-based Medicine as that has proven to be effective in its goals of relaxation with all its desirable benefits.

Atheism is simply a lack of belief in gods and the supernatural. It is a result of critical thinking, as is the rejection of woo which is what Chi is.

Posted: January 9th 2009

See all questions answered by logicel

There is no reason why Atheists would have any kinder of an opinion on Chi than they would on (say) souls, karma, reincarnation or gods.

Most Atheists are naturalists and anything not explained by the laws of nature is highly likely to be bullshit, whether it’s a belief that’s killed millions or none.

Posted: January 9th 2009

See all questions answered by Reed Braden

Chi is like souls, karma, New Age-style crystal energies or The Force: there’s no substantive evidence for it, and I’m currently of the opinion that it doesn’t exist.

My opinion of your experiences with Chi Kung is that you have learned to incorrectly identify certain functions of your own body and mind as the flow or buildup of chi. Thinking of these functions this way may well help practitioners of Eastern martial arts and related activities perform the required actions with the proper technique and attitude. That doesn’t make chi real.

Think about it from an outsider’s perspective. Is there any way you could show someone a direct effect of your chi, so that they would be in absolutely no doubt that chi is the cause?

Posted: January 9th 2009

See all questions answered by SmartLX