Remember to Watch Your Qi by Kate Emery General

What is Qi and why balancing your Qi is important. Qi or “chi” means life energy and it stands for the energy in all things. Qi is the circulating life force whose existence and properties are the basis of Chinese medicine, acupuncture in particular. Your Qi provides energy for important bodily functions like digestion, metabolism, and overall strength. Everything in the entire universe is made up of Qi – the invisible source of life energy. Flowers contain the most Qi. According to ancient Eastern philosophies, when a plant flowers, it is at the peak of it’s life and the flowers are the fruit of this highest level of Qi.

The use of flower tea for healing is common in many Eastern cultures. Flowers are jam packed with antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. For example, Butterfly Pea and Chrysanthemum flower teas are rich in flavonoids that contain anti inflammatory properties.

Many people experience an imbalance in Qi, usually caused by stress, lack of nutritious food, rest and fresh air. Some symptoms of Qi imbalance are: fatigue, insomnia, poor digestion, lack of appetite, weak immune system, and shortness of breath.

Sleep is one of the best ways to restore your Qi, it gives your body time to heal. Regular exercise and meditation are important in balancing your Qi, walking outside in the sunshine and fresh air boosts your immune system. Stress affects our breathing, which creates an unevenness in our Qi. Deep “belly breathing” can help relax your mind and body by bringing more oxygen into your system. Breathing in to the count of 4, holding the breath in for a count of 4, breathing out to a count of 4, for 12 inhalations with eyes closed, will help with deeper healing. Adding more warm foods such as a healthy soup is a good way to improve Qi deficiency. Fresh herbs, whole grains, root vegetables like onions, sweet potatoes, and carrots, create a healthy internal environment and promote the circulation of Qi.

I have practiced Qi Gong off and on for the past 10 years. I had taken a Tai Chi class at the Avalon Theater and was instantly aware of how much better I felt, I incorporate Qi Gong in my daily yoga practice. I have taught my grandchildren many of the exercises, their favorites are 10 Dragons Running in the Forest (running fingertips through your hair) and Monkey Scratches (running fingertips along your rib cage). The primary aim of Qi Gong is to develop tranquility and harmony with nature, the exercises cultivate strength, flexibility, coordination, and balance. Qi Gong exercises enable me to experience Qi energy, the magnetic feeling between my fingers and the palm of my hand.

To have strong Qi is to have a strong life force and vitality, everything needed to live a healthy life.