An introduction to Qi

My article today is a brief introduction to Qi. This is pronounced and sometimes written in English as “chi”. I mention Qi many times throughout my website and blogposts and realised that I haven’t specifically talked about what Qi is yet. Partly that’s because it can be difficult to define and explain, partly it’s also about context.

An introduction to Qi

It is probably easiest to think of Qi as energy although this really is incomplete. It is also sometimes thought of as life force. This is like the “force” in Star Wars and indeed there are many similarities between the two.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) however, there are actually many different types of Qi. Some of the main ones it is helpful to know about include:

  • Original Qi – this promotes and stimulates the organs;
  • Food Qi – food is transformed through various processes within our bodies, into Qi. The quality and quantity of the food we eat therefore affects our Qi;
  • Gathering Qi – this is a mixture of air and Food-Qi and assists the Lungs and Heart in their functions of respiration, circulation and the controlling of Qi;
  • Defensive Qi – this protects the body against external pathogens such as Wind, Cold, Heat and Damp.

Qi is important to us due to the functions it carries out:

  • transforming food and fluids;
  • transporting various substances around the body;
  • holding fluids and Blood in their proper places;
  • raising fluids and certain body structures so that they do not sink or prolapse;
  • protecting the body from exterior pathogens; and
  • warming

If Qi is transformed properly and moves in the proper direction then we have health. If Qi is weak, or if it moves in the wrong direction this can lead to illness.

We can influence our Qi through the foods we eat, getting sufficient good quality sleep, avoiding stress and of course, acupuncture.

If this introduction to Qi has interested you and you’d like to know more about how to improve your Qi, then please book your free “can telehealth help me” sessiontoday.

Stay safe, stay well, stay home (if you can).

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