Ask The Acupuncturist - What is Qi?
by Ryan Powell, LAc.
To many Americans, the concept of Qi (chi) is a confusing one. The idea that our planet’s living beings have a measurable electro-magnetic field nourishing them is a new one for many people. Most practitioners of Energetic Medicine describe Qi as “Vital Force.” This energy nourishes our tissues and our minds giving us consciousness and the ability to manifest our purpose. Western science has confirmed that the acupuncture points are more electrically active and are typically warmer than surrounding tissues. Qi flows in precise pathways on the body called “Meridians”.
But now I would like to make this concept a little easier to understand. I would like to talk about Qi as being the sum total of all of our metabolic processes. In other words, it is what results when we combine food, air, and that spark of life we call spirit. The fact that a person can stand up, move their bodies, digest their food, think, and communicate is evidence that the person has some Qi. In other words, it is not some magical, intangible force that cannot be seen by human beings. We have all experienced days when our Qi is not as full and healthy as it could be. When we are tired, undernourished, afraid, or simply working too hard, our Qi is weaker.
So how do we keep our Qi strong? The four paths to vibrant health are very important:
1. Structural Integrity (Chiropractic and Acupuncture)
2. Good Nutrition
3. Detoxification
4. Emotional Health
These concepts are very powerful since they provide a road map for people to follow every day of their lives. In general, in order to maintain good Qi a person should eat a well rounded diet of both cooked and uncooked foods, get sufficient calories, nutrients from fruits and vegetables, fats, complex carbohydrates, and of course protein. Some exercise is very important. There is a concept in Chinese Medicine that you must “Move the Qi to Build Qi.” Gentle, informed detoxification is also an ingredient for good Vital Energy. Finally, emotions have a very strong impact on the quality and quantity of Qi. Finding emotional balance through conscious awareness is key to staying well.
According to Traditional Chinese Medical Theory, Qi:
1. Warms the body
2. Defends the body from the elements, bacteria, and viruses
3. Transforms foods and fluids into building blocks for our bodies
4. Nourishes the body with transformed food, replenishing our essence daily.
*For more information on Traditional Medical Theory I suggest the Book “The Web That Has No Weaver” by Ted Kaptchuk, O.M.D
Call our office today for a free consultation 303-678-1979
Follow Us