5 Ways to Protect Your Spirit from Qi Vampires

Halloween is a time for spooky stories and chilling costumes, but did you know ancient Eastern folklore holds a legend even more draining than a night of trick-or-treating?

Let me tell you the tale of the qi vampire – a creature said to feed off the vital energy, or qi (chi), of unsuspecting victims.

Before you picture capes and fangs, understand that qi vampires are more than supernatural beings. As someone who has spent years studying traditional Eastern medicine, I can tell you the feeling of being drained of energy is all too real.

How did you feel after leaving a particularly long meeting?

Think back – how did you feel after spending time with someone who is constantly negative?

Those are examples of modern-day qi vampires in disguise.

So, how do you protect yourself from these energy bandits this Halloween – and every day?

At Colorado Natural Medicine and Acupuncture, we believe in harnessing the power of traditional Eastern medicine alongside modern techniques to create a holistic approach to wellness.

Here are five ways to combat qi vampires and keep your energy levels at full strength:

1. Cultivate Mindfulness: Just as your mind is a muscle you can strengthen through practice, so is your energy. Mindfulness techniques like meditation and deep breathing can help you become more aware of your energy flow and empower you to set healthy boundaries when needed. We offer holistic counseling, such as Buddhist Psychotherapy and Expressive Arts Therapy, to help you. Mindfulness is the first line of defense, putting you in control and protecting you from ‘vampires’ that feed off your energy.
2. Prioritize Nourishing Foods: Your mind, gut and heart are intricately connected through nutrition. It is the fuel that energizes your body from the inside out. The food industry lures you with easily prepared ‘comfort foods’ that are highly processed and full of preservatives. But you are not a robot. You can’t just pop in a new battery – or any food – and expect to run well. Your body needs the right fuel to function optimally. We offer food sensitivity and micronutrient testing that helps us create a functional and personalized nutritional plan for you. We focus on incorporating a balanced diet rich in qi-boosters like whole foods, vegetables and lean protein, reassuring you that your mind/ body connection is protected.
3. Embrace Restorative Practices: Techniques like acupuncture, massage or Reiki can help promote and improve energy flow throughout your body. Notice in your body where you feel particularly anxious, overwhelmed or out of balance. Our practitioners are skilled in addressing areas in the mind and body that qi vampires have attacked and restoring balance in your body so that you can manage your stress and function at optimal levels.
4. Limit Negative Interactions: Naturopathic doctors won’t recommend wearing garlic necklaces to fend off qi vampires—nor do you need to banish everyone who occasionally drains your energy. Instead, try to be mindful of which interactions leave you feeling depleted. Naturopathic medicine can support your efforts by helping you restore and protect your energy.
5. Seek Professional Guidance: Identifying the root cause of energy depletion can require a deeper look into the underlying factors that cause you to feel imbalance. It is essential to be mindful of qi vampires, but you might need guidance to defeat them. Remember, we’re here to help you protect your qi and live your healthiest life, providing you with the support and understanding you need.

Feeling drained and overwhelmed? Let Dr. Graves help you ward off those energy-sapping “qi vampires.” Schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation and discover the power of functional medicine. Call 303-688-6698 or book online.

Dr. Graves, ND, LAc, practices functional medicine at Colorado Natural Medicine & Acupuncture, between Denver and Colorado Springs in downtown Castle Rock, CO.