What is Qi ('Chee') and how is it balanced?
Qi Defined
According to Classical Chinese Medicine (CCM), everything in the universe is comprised of a balance between two energies: Yin and Yang. They are sometimes seen as opposite but they exist because of one another and when in sync, provide balanced energy flow.
That energy or 'Qi' (pronounced "chee") flows through our bodies along channels (or "meridians") similar to blood vessels. Through careful observation and note-keeping over hundreds of years, the ancient Chinese developed this map of the body's energetic system. Maintaining a health flow of Qi helps the Yin and Yang energy balance and thus promotes good health.
Stagnation is the root of all disease. Moving Qi is the key to vitality.
—Dr. Krystal Couture
Qi comes from three sources:
Prenatal Qi: we inherit our first source of Qi from our parents at conception and is stored in the kidneys. Although it's available for us to use, it can not be replenished. When Prenatal Qi is depleted, we die.
Grain Qi: we source this Qi from high quality fresh foods. We create Prenatal Qi from this source.
Air Qi: we source this source of Qi from inhaled clean air through proper abdominal breathing and aerobic exercise and we can also create Prenatal Qi from this source as well.
Qi Function + Deficiencies
When Qi is out of balance, we experience abnormal bodily function like bruising, excessive heat or cold, dryness, prolapsed organs, or fatigue.
- Qi prevents disease by creating a layer of protection that surrounds the body.
- Qi transforms our fluids into food for the body for sustenance.
- Qi maintains optimal body temperature.
- Qi protects our organs and balances the excretion of fluids
Because everything is energy, your thoughts send out energy throughout your body—either positive, negative or neutral—and your body is impacted. The power of your mind can be used to send out healing messages and aid in the healing process.
Qi Balance
Qi declines naturally with age but we can strengthen our Qi for a long, healthy life. Qi tonics rich in botanical energy can enrich our bodies and increases the circulation of Qi. Qi tonics also helps us rejuvenate from Qi-depleting factors such as stress, lack of sleep, overwork, recreational drugs, excess alcohol, and poor nutrition. Chinese botanical mixtures based in the 5 elements in nature can be very helpful in supplementing Qi and helping to bring the body back into balance.
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