What is Qi?

In traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture the word Qi (pronounced “chee”) gets thrown around a lot.

But what is Qi?

My favorite way to describe Qi is that it is the energy driving force of our body. Qi is what pushes the blood through our vessels, it takes part in the immune system, it’s what gives us our physical energy, etc. Without Qi nothing would be able to flow and move.

So, what are signs that Qi is healthy and flowing well throughout the body?

We’ll start with the signs that you have strong Qi that is able to move freely:

• Your energy throughout the day is consistent and steady

• The immune system is strong

• No pain — This can include pain with your menstrual cycle or things such as back pain (where there is pain there is stagnation)

• The body has good circulation (no cold hands or feet)

• Digestion is strong

• Emotions are balanced and mood is stable

There can also be issues with Qi, one example being stagnation. When there is stagnation, this can cause a blockage or for things to feel “stuck” and sometimes can result in Qi going in the opposite direction and wreaking havoc.

Signs that Qi is stagnant include:

• Pain

• Irritability

• Frequent sighing

• Issues with digestion

Another potential issue with Qi is it can also be deficient. Examples of Qi deficiency include:

• Low energy

• Spontaneous sweating without exertion

• Poor appetite

• Low mood or anxiety

• Frequent colds

For situations of both Qi stagnation and deficiency these are largely caused by diet and lifestyle choices first and foremost. Qi stagnation can also be caused by things such as emotional distress or trauma, lack of movement, cold (whether this be consuming cold foods or being in a cold external environment), physical factors such as injuries, or dietary choices like greasy, raw, or cold foods. A deficiency of Qi can be caused by overwork, chronic stress, poor sleep, or an improper diet (particularly not eating enough).

Luckily, there are many ways for us to give our Qi some TLC.

First, we’ll go over ways to improve the smooth flow of Qi. To do this, movement is the first thing I always recommend. Exercises such as yoga, qigong, or walking are great for moving the Qi. Breathwork and meditation or journalling to help manage emotional stress is also a great tool. Incorporating things such as mint, turmeric, and citrus into your diet is very beneficial as well.

For cases where Qi is deficient, rest is often a bit more necessary while also incorporating more gentle forms of movement. Gentle is important because if you don’t have enough Qi, pushing your body too hard can be depleting. Dietary changes are key. Ensure you’re eating proper meals throughout the day and try to have as much cooked and warm foods as possible to help the body to build and replenish what is missing.

In both cases, herbs and acupuncture are extremely helpful so seeing an acupuncturist and/or a traditional Chinese medicine doctor to get some recommendations for your individual constitution would be extremely beneficial.