I am sure you have heard of Qi (or is it Chi? and may be wondering what it actually does, or doesn’t, do.
For starters, is it Qi or Chi?
Both terms have been used interchangeably, however, descriptions vary slight depending on cultural origin. The Acupuncture and Massage College in Florida, states that it’s best to use Qi when the aim is restoring balance, because it is the “physical or nourishing portion that makes up the air, water, and food we take in.” Conversely, they maintain Chi refers to the “vital fluids and the energy itself that flows through our bodies.” Bottom line, according the Jason Well, a naturopathic physician and acupuncturist at Reconstructed Wellness, it’s what “courses through the body along meridians, and it also controls the movement of blood.”
This movement of blood and, I’ll call it Qi, in a human body creates health and harmony.
Qi means "breath," 'air" or "gas.”, but the literal translation of the Chinese character meaning “health” is “original Qi.,” whereas, the literal translation of the character for “vitality” is “high-quality Qi.” Different cultures have different names for this life or energy force:
Japanese call it “ki”
Indians call it “prana” or “shakti”
Ancient Egyptians called it “ka”
Ancient Greeks called it “pneuma”
Native Americans consider it the “Great Spirit”
Christians refer to it as the “Holy Spirit”
Africans know it as “ashe”
Hawaiians know it as “ha” or “mana”
Keep in mind that Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Chinese martial arts are based on the underlying principle of Qi, and there are different types of Qi, depending on the source, role, and location in the body. For example, Primordial Qi is Qi acquired at birth from one’s parents, and is different from Qi acquired throughout one’s life.
In TCM, Qi is seen as the ultimate measure of vitality, and the aim of treatment, whether through TCM, integrative medicine or acupuncture, is to restore the body to its natural, healthy state by adjusting any imbalances in Qi circulation. Two of the ways by which we cultivate and balance Qi are through Qigong and Tai Chi, but other methods include herbology, food therapy, other martial arts, and acupuncture.
“The Yellow Emperor's Classic of Medicine" has been historically credited for establishing the meridians, or pathways, through which Qi circulates in the body. Disrupted, blocked, deficient, or unbalanced Qi moving through meridians is believed to cause symptoms of various illnesses. In order to maintain good health, the flow of Qi must not be impeded..
If you’ve ever felt off balance, fatigued, brain fog, muscle weakness, depressed, stressed, or just irritable and out of sorts, the reason may be an imbalance in Qi. Lack of sleep, food, water, shelter, fresh air, and other elements the body needs to properly function properly will also cause Qi deficiencies. There are also emotional reasons, such as lack of love, social interaction (did anyone say pandemic?), or mental stimulation.
First, the obvious. Get enough sleep, food (a nutrient rich diet), fresh air, water, and safe shelter. Second, try mind-body techniques and practices such as Tai Chi, Qigong, ,meditation, Yoga, acupuncture, or even a massage. Getting rest and enjoying the sunshine and nature will go a long way towards balancing your Qi and restoring your body.
Scientifically, Qi has never been observed, so many people don’t believe it exists, but has been written about since the 4th Century BCE. However, those who believe state that, through training, the capacity to perceive the flow of Qi can be cultivated. That said, even the untrained can usually feel when someone has great energy, or puts out a bad vibe. Some people make us feel calm and relaxed, while others exude tension and negative energy. We can also walk into a room and notice if the atmosphere feels tense, or whether it feels relaxed and comforting.
Even though we can’t see it, this is Qi we are perceiving.