Ki is used to:

Increase stability, such as in the immovable body
Increase strength, such as in the unbendable arm
Increase power, such as an effortless yet powerful kick
Increase sensitivity, such as sensing an attack
Increase health, such as increased resistance to illness
Heal, such as used in Kiatsu
Develop non-physical contact, such as a no-touch throw

The effects of ki may be explained using two concepts: physical and mental.

Physical

This refers to a relaxed body that allows connections to be made through the entire body and to the ground with a minimum use of tension and strain. Most of the effects of increased stability and power come from this concept, since a relaxed and properly aligned body distributes forces force throughout the body, not just in one area. For instance, in the unbendable arm, the applied force is dissipated through the large muscles of the back, not just in the arm. This concept also has a health benefit since the connectivity requires a release of body stress and tension, which allows better blood circulation, deeper breathing, etc.

Mental

This refers to a strongly focused mind. This concept is more difficult to explain than the physical concept. Everyone accepts the idea of "will" and the fact that it can clearly affect physical behavior but yet it cannot be measured in any direct way. Most people accept that the mind can affect the physical body, such as the placebo effect in medicine. Ki affects the body in the same way. If we believe something may give us power and we focus on it, it may indeed give us power.

Mental focus has two components: the effect on the self and the effect on others. It increases the connection between the various parts of the body performing an action, resulting in a greater efficiency and power. Since mental focus is perceivable by others, whether directly or via subtle clues, this intent can cause effects in others, such as breaking an opponent's concentration and thus reducing their power. Also, one may perceive an attack is imminent and step to the side resulting in a no-touch throw where the opponents momentum causes him or her to fall. The focus of an opponent who is pushing may be diminished to the point that the power they believe they are exerting is actually much less. This effect helps explain the previously described feats of ki.

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