According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Wei Qi, which is Yang (warm, energetic) in nature, is defensive Qi. The lung and respiratory functions helps spread your Wei Q. It is integral to our immune system and protects the body from harmful pathogens (bad air, germs, or viruses for example) which cause disease and illness.
How does Wei/Defense Qi work?
Your Wei Qi controls the opening and closing of your pores. The lungs and Wei Qi both control the body’s surface. The lungs have “lung energy” and are responsible for breathing and the skin. If your lung energy is balanced, Wei Qi is strong and the immune system is able to fight external pathogens. On the flip side, when your Wei Qi is weak, your body and pores are vulnerable to pathogen attacks such as viruses, bacteria, etc.. Hmmm… Covid, Flu, RSV, and more!
Unfortunately, it’s usually the respiratory system that is first attacked by the pathogens. Think about our respiratory system: it also includes your throat,mucous membranes, and your sinuses! Symptoms may include a cough, sore throat, headaches, chills, malaise, lethargy, and so on. Weak Wei Qi can make you nauseated and you may experience other digestive disorders, such as burping, vomiting, reduced appetite, bloating and even acid reflux.
Wei Qi (the defense) steps in when your body temperature increases and works around your muscles and skin inciting responses such as chills and shivering. Hard to believe, but the stronger your immune system, the higher your temperature gets and the worse your symptoms become. Why is that? Wei Qi is trying to stabilize your body, open your pores, and let the pathogens escape. This is why TCM doctors don’t believe in suppressing a fever!
What damages Wei Qi and can you avoid the damage?
Many causes for Wei Qi damage are controllable, but not all! You may not be surprised to find out that a poor diet (sugars, processed foot, alcohol, etc) and drugs (both prescription and non), as well as smoking may damage Wei Qi. Damage can also be caused by a sedentary lifestyle, poor or inadequate sleep, radiation, and stress. Not surprising!
Let’s talk about stress. A 2004 meta-analysis of over 300 studies of stress and health showed that long term or chronic stress “ravaged” the immune system. It is even worse for those who are older or have other or concurrent illnesses. Consider the toll from emotions, such as grief, sadness, depression, guilt, etc.. Being around negative people can also have a negative affect on your Wei Qi. Last but not least, let’s consider environmental factors, such as pollution, excessive cold, wind, and/or heat (currently worrisome on several levels).
How do we strengthen our Wei Qi?
You nourish your Wei Qi by the clean air you breathe, your clean/natural diet, and your fluid intake (particularly water). The obvious answer to avoid weakening your Wei Qi would be to improve your diet (including the water you drink), deep breathing, and exercise (especially Tai Chi and/or Qigong). You can also try to avoid additives, pesticides, GMOs, etc., if you can!
Acupuncture can certainly be helpful. However, what if you can’t afford, or aren’t near someone who provides acupuncture? Or, what if you just hate or fear needles and the idea of someone sticking them in you raises your stress level? You actually can rub your acupuncture/acupressure points with your finger for about 30 to 60 seconds. This is said to stimulate and increase Qi circulation in your body!
Bottom line: You can control a large majority of those habits or your lifestyle to avoid weakening your Wei Qi. You can also move more, eat better, etc. Age, unfortunately, is not controllable. However, how you age is!
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