What Is Qi? Qi In Tcm Acupuncture Theory
It shows how critical balance, inputs, and environment are to the optimal function of the body. As a result, it doesn’t look at drugs to manipulate the body. Instead, it looks to restore the natural healthy functioning of the body by restoring flow, balance, and optimal healthy conditions for it to thrive and heal. If your phone doesn’t have Qi technology built-in, you can add wireless charging with a case.
Acupuncture as a treatment for Qi stagnation addresses the whole of a person – mind, body and spirit. Want to learn more about Qi and how you can become a part of a growing industry focusing on Traditional Chinese Medicine? Learn more about AIAM’s Acupuncture program requirements or apply here to jumpstart your career as a licensed acupuncturist therapist. Looking at roles, Qi is divided into "Defensive Qi" and "Nutritive Qi". Defensive Qi's role is, like the name implies, to defend the body against "evil" invasions. As such it is present in all places of the body that are susceptible to sustain such invasions.
This immense energy is all around us, but modern life, stress and electronics separate our awareness from universal Qi. Three ways to align yourself with the Qi of the universe are to perform Qigong, Meditate and receive Acupuncture. All three can help you to get out of your ego and Qigong connect to your consciousness. Qi, the source of all things, an innate intelligence that can’t be seen with the naked eye.
It is important to not be deferential about this and to be engaged in the process of reconciling imbalances on this axis. It is the vital breath that is said to circulate through the various meridians, and it is the energy from the air, if you recall, that mixes with the food qi to create the functional energy of our body. The coordination of breath with body movements and attention drives energy through the designated pathways and opens blockages.
For example, if you have issues with the lungs or sinuses, you go to a respiratory specialist. If you catch frequent colds, you might talk to a doctor who specializes in the immune system. We have a specialist for all the different systems of the body – the nervous system, the digestive system, the endocrine system, the respiratory system, the immune system, and so on. Every night before bed, either my mom or dad would guide us kids through a deep relaxation technique.
Just like the emphasis we put on getting the physical body healthy and fit, it is important to start here with the foundations of qi gong and work our way up. This means working diligently on our stance, which will help ground our energy and give us “roots.” Stances develop the lower dantien and strengthen the wei qi. Once we build a strong foundation, we can really begin to reap the powerful benefits of this practice.