Foods 'n' Herbs

The Living Energy: Qi  

There is nothing more fundamental to Chinese medicine than the understanding of the concept of qi. Qi is the life force, the vital energy within us. When qi gathers, we live. When qi disperses, we die. It is a combination of all the energy within our body to sustain life, control activities and maintain well being.

Every movement of our body requires qi. Qi is constantly moving, ascending, descending, entering and leaving the body. Qi is there to warm the body, to protect the body from external factors, to transform food and air into body fluids and blood, and to facilitate the body functions.

When qi is in harmony, we enjoy good health. But there are times when disharmony exists. The deficiency of qi to carry out simple activities is common with older people. There could be stagnancy of qi that leads to sluggish flow or blockage. The sinking of qi can cause organs to collapse. Rebellious qi occurs when qi flows in the wrong direction. All sickness could be diagnosed or tracked down to any one of these disharmonies. Chinese medicine brings intervention to the disharmony by acupuncture, herbal medicine and the exercise qigong to restore the proper flow of qi.

Qi has a vital relationship with blood and body fluids. It produces blood; it moves blood around the body and holds the blood in the blood vessels. It is doing the same for body fluids. In turn, blood nourishes qi and carries qi to all the organs, muscles, tendons and body parts. Body fluids are essential for maintaining healthy qi and maintaining blood at the right consistency so that it will not stagnate, causing illness. Qi is also vital in moving the bowels, moving the wastage out of the body. When qi is deficient, the person will suffer constipation.