Qi is a basic idea and the foundation of Chinese medicine. It translates as “vital energy,” and it, along with yin and yang, is one of the elements that make up existence. Qi included all forms of energy, from tangible energy such as the ground, your body, blood, and even your computer, to immaterial energies like movement, light, heat, thinking, or emotion. It is always changing and cannot be produced or destroyed. Qi merely shifts.
What Is Qi Deficiency
Your qi is determined by a number of factors in TCM. It all starts with your ancestors. It is also influenced by your food, emotions, and behaviors from birth. It is always evolving.
A number of physical and mental problems are believed to reduce your qi. Chronic stress and sleep deprivation are two of the most frequent reasons. Both of these may raise cortisol levels, which can impair immunological function and increase the risk of depression and burnout. You may be able to reduce your cortisol levels naturally by combining home treatments with a TCM supplement such as ashwagandha.
Other causes may include:
- food sensitivities
- Lyme disease
- hormonal imbalances
- environmental factors (polluted air in particular)
- unresolved emotional issues
- relationship problems
Qi Stagnation Symptoms
Symptoms vary widely, as every organ and every process of the body has its own qi associated with it. A qi deficiency can happen anywhere the body doesn’t have enough energy to perform its functions.
Digestive system
- poor digestion
- weakness
- bloating
- loose stools
- low or no appetite
- anemia
Lungs
- asthma
- weak or breathy voice
- weak immune system
- spontaneous sweating
Heart
- poor circulation
- palpitations
- lack of joy
Kidneys
- memory loss
- hair loss
- knee or back pain
Other Symptoms
- anxiety
- dry skin
- brittle hair
- muscle aches
- weakness
- weight problems
- mental fog
- emotional exhaustion
How To Move Stagnant Qi
Eat your greens.
Leafy, upward growing greens nourish the Blood and gently move your Liver qi. Winter is the time for foods with a more warming and sinking energy, to match the energy of Winter. Now is the time to start to eat foods that are cooked more lightly and for less time, to eat less heavy food (oils, meats), and to cook veggies and greens in a lighter, more healthful manner.
Exercise
What better way to help your qi move than to move! Listen to your body and follow recommendations based on your own health, constitution, etc. Honestly — walking is one of the very best things you can do for both your body and your mind. Even 10 minutes/day makes a big difference.
Rest
Metaphorically in Chinese Medicine, our “Blood” collects in our Liver at night when we sleep. What this means is that the Liver is part of what helps rejuvenate us while we are sleeping. Not enough rest leads to weakened blood, which prevents our qi from moving well (and vice versa). Weakened Liver blood can lead to more anxiety, tighter muscles, and a host of other symptoms. Resting properly at night allows our Liver to do its job better — to keep our energy circulating smoothly.
Massage Liver 3
Those of you who are regular patients may recognize this point once I describe it. It’s a very commonly used point on the Liver channel to help keep the energy flowing smoothly and to pull it down from the head (which makes it a great point for headaches that are because of a Liver imbalance). To find it, place your foot flat in front of you. Palpate in the space between your 1st and 2nd metatarsal bones (the bones that come down from your toes over the top of your foot). Find a sore spot close to the junction where the 2 bones meet and massage this point daily.
Create Your Vision
Wood energy (Liver and Gallbladder) is about vision, both literally and figuratively. The ability to see your path ahead, not get bogged down in the day-to-day stresses, and have a vision for your future are all Liver strengths.
Manage Stress
Emotional stress affects all organ systems. The Liver, however, is where it starts. In fact, stress and blocked emotions are the most common causes of “stuck Liver qi” in our society. Anger, frustration, sadness, and depression can all result from stuck Liver qi, and when not expressed or dealt with appropriately, can also cause our Liver qi to stagnate further and lead to other symptoms.
Massage Spleen 6:
This is a crossing point of 3 major meridians in the body: Spleen, Liver, and Kidney. This point is great for relieving stress, anxiety, and sleep difficulties.
Beware Of “False” Liver Movers
Alcohol, for example, will temporarily free up your Liver energy. And a drink here and there, for most of us, feels good and is not a problem. But overuse of alcohol and other drugs is a common way for some people to feel relief from emotional symptoms of Liver stagnation.
More information about qi deficiency: Medical News Today
REFERENCES
What Is Qi Deficiency, and How Is It Treated?
Understanding Chinese Medicine: Liver Qi Stagnation
My mission is to bring greater awareness about the power of the ancient wisdom, art, and science of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and to teach people that there is a better and more sustainable way to reach the best version of themselves. I inspire and lead others using accountability practices that allow others to take greater responsibility for their health and wellness. I want everyone to be a willing participant in the lifestyle changes that may be necessary to reach optimal and sustainable health.
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