WELLNESS
UNDERSTANDING QI AS A KEY TO HEALTH BY DANIEL CLEMENS, CMT Vital energy or “Qi” (pronounced “chi”) has many names. The Japanese call it “Ki”; in India it is called “Prana.” In our Western world view we often use the names “bioenergy”, “universal energy” or simply “energy.” Whatever we call it, we know that it exists. Science is now comfortable with the concept of invisible Qi. Like gravity, we cannot see it but we know that it exists by the results it produces. Acupuncture, which works primarily with Qi, is now accepted as a viable healthcare choice by all Western countries. But what is this enigmatic substance and how can we keep our own Qi active and vital? For over four thousand years, people in the East have been aware of Qi. It has been mapped, manipulated, cultivated and honored as the all pervasive life force in and around everything. Its importance to Chinese Medicine and the martial arts cannot be overlooked. Kung Fu, Karate, and Tai Chi all rely upon the cultivation of Qi force. The balance of this vital life energy creates physical, metal and spiritual strength and health. A lifetime of study can be dedicated to the understanding of Qi. Countless books exist and many ancient teachings, which used to be considered sacred and secret, are now available to any seeker. The road to balanced Qi is long and the methods may seem austere but the following tips contain sound advice not only for Qi cultivation and preservation but also for a healthy life in general. 1. SEXUAL TEMPERANCE: Known as “Jing,” translated as “essence” and established as the first of “The Three Treasures” of good health, sexual Jing or sperm must be preserved as much as possible. This cannot be overstated. Sexual overuse and overindulgence will greatly reduce one’s storage of Jing. A great amount of energy and Qi is required to replace this loss resulting in accelerated aging, poor memory, weak bones and two of the most common signs; low back pain and knee weakness. 2. HEALTHY DIET, GOOD SLEEP AND EXERCISE: This advice is well known but in terms of healthy Qi, these three requirements are essential. We lose Qi throughout our daily activities and we need nutrition, rest and exercise to replenish it. Qi is the second of The Three Treasures. 3. CORRECT BREATHING: Many ancient and native cultures
taught their children how to breath. Qi has been translated as breath in some texts. Proper breathing has the potential to change one’s life on so many levels. The Dutch athlete Wim Hof holds many world records and has defied medical science by exhibiting new physical extremes to which the human body can withstand. All through concentrated, isolated breathing. 4. MEDITATION/SPIRITUAL PRACTICE: “Shen” translated as “spirit” or “mind,” is responsible for consciousness, our emotional life and our peace of mind. The third of The Three Treasures, healthy Shen is cultivated by peaceful living, maintaining a spiritual connection, and love. It rests in the heart and is dependent upon healthy Jing and Qi. The ancient concept of Qi and the The Three Treasures may seem outdated or quaint to some, but there is a reason why such knowledge continues to be passed down and practiced. Quite simply, it works. In fact, medical science has a done a magnificent job of finding the mechanics behind Qi. We use terms like “genes”, “metabolism”, “respiration” and “hormones.” What may be lost in translation is the intrinsic beauty of Qi and the sheer wonder of the aptly named Three Treasures.
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