If qi (or chi) is the life force energy of every entity in the world
(according to East Asian medicine), then shouldn’t
everything we do be built around choices that preserve, replenish, and balance it?
Sure, it may sound ideal but let’s be honest…it’s not always that easy.
If you are wanting to encourage and maintain energy balance for your mind and body, here are 5 powerful ways to do that:
- Rest and Relax.
There’s no way around it – in our busy and stressful Western culture we need to take time to calm our minds and rest our bodies.
Think about what relaxes you and gives your body pause to rest such as:
- taking an afternoon nap
- reading a book on a weekend morning
- enjoying a cup of coffee or hot tea while sitting peacefully
- taking an epsom salt bath
- scheduling massage or spa treatment
- watching a favorite television show or cuddling up for a movie
- taking a break from everyday duties/work and doing something fun
- going on vacation
- finding quiet time to sit and be
What helps you rest?
- Sound Sleep.
In addition to snippets of rest throughout the day, quality sleep at night is essential for balanced qi.
If you you have difficulty falling asleep and/or find yourself wakening and staying up throughout the night, it may be time to address the issue to stave off future health problems from depleted or stuck qi.
Click here to learn what the root cause of your sleep issue(s) may be and common ways Dr. Graves treats them.
Do you wish your sleep was better? Schedule a call with Dr. Graves now to discuss further.
- Healthful Eating.
Food has qi which means what we consume can either help our qi or hurt it.
Processed, artificially flavored, fried, and high sugar foods can be detrimental to qi, so avoid as much as possible.
Instead, opt for healthy options that keep qi in balance such as:
- lightly cooked organic vegetables
- fermented food for good digestion such as kimchi, yogurt, kefir, and sauerkraut
- good fats like avocado, salmon and olive oil that are energizing
- warming foods and spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and garlic
- whole grains like quinoa and oats
What can you eat today that supports good qi?
- Mindful Breathing.
Our breath moves energy in our body. Deep, cleansing breathing techniques can be very helpful in managing stress and anxiety, keeping our qi balanced.
To add this to your daily life, try:
- tai chi
- qigong
- yoga
- meditation
- breathing apps such as ibreathe or Breathe In
Can you take 10 deep breaths right now?
- Acupuncture.
One of the most effective ways to balance qi is through acupuncture.
Fine needles placed along different meridian points in the body can clear stuck qi and help to keep it flowing properly as well as stop it from getting depleted from too much stress and too little sleep.
Invest in balancing and maintaining your qi monthly, quarterly, or even semi-annually to keep it flowing properly.
Understanding how your health can be affected by qi can be a new way of thinking about the choices we make and the lifestyles we live.
If you are experiencing sleep issues, digestion upset, pain, hormone imbalance, or other unusual symptoms, please call us at (303) 688-6698 or schedule a complimentary 15 minute phone consultation with Dr. Graves to discuss how balancing your qi may help you feel better.
The CNMA office provides East Asian and naturopathic medicine to the Castle Rock, Castle Pines, Lone Tree, Highlands Ranch, Centennial, Parker, Larkspur, Monument, Colorado Springs, and greater Denver metro area communities. For those outside of these areas, virtual appointments are available.
REFERENCES:
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321841#diet
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