The Chinese Character of Qi, 氣 (pronounced /CHē/ ) means vital energy, life force. There are numerous qualities of qi in the body with specific functions. The overall functions of qi is movement/transportation, warming and transformation. Depending upon which organ the qi is associated too, will specify it’s unique property. What is most important to understand in the practice of Chinese medicine is that qi is the fundamental working principle to all aspects of this science, from; acupuncture, herbalism, dietary and body work. So, when a patient comes in the practitioner needs to understand the fundamental imbalance of qi in the body. Then, decide which modality will best be able to correct the imbalance.

What I would like to focus on here is how the body maintains overall energy levels. I will be discussing the dynamics of qi in a broad scope to avoid getting too technical. Essentially we derive energy primarily from from air, food and water, which is called Gu Qi (yes it’s a fabulous designer Qi). Which is transformed into Ying Qi, or nutritive Qi. It is used to replenish and nourish our body. We also have a quality of Qi called Yuan Qi, or original source Qi. Yuan Qi is a finite amount of qi that supports organ functions on a fundamental level. When you hear about a 30 yr old rock star that dies suddenly, it is more than likely due to their poor lifestyle of little rest, poor nutrition and too much sex, and drugs. Another way to think of this quality of qi is as a deep reserve that should only be used in case of emergencies, such as illness, extreme survival. With proper rest and nutrition this qi is only sipped upon appropriately. Instead of living like a rockstar staying up late, doing the whole sex, drugs and rock -n- roll thang becoming depleted and dying prematurely.

When a bodily function becomes impaired, it is usually about a qi dynamic that is out of balance. For an example, if the stomach is not breaking down food properly, then it’s qi dynamic with other organs is out of balance. It can be the liver/stomach dynamic, or kidney/stomach dynamic, even the liver/kidney/stomach dynamic. There are circumstances where an organ becomes deficient because due to an overall qi deficiency as well. When these imbalances arise it is usually a result from a life style, diet, and/or genetics. The qi can become stagnant, deficient or other substances (such as blood) in the body are impairing proper qi flow. The time of year, and regional climate are additional factors that can influence how one’s qi is performing.

Because the Chinese have done an amazing job understanding how the spirit, mind and body are interconnected, they see how the qi of the body is affected by on different levels. How fear affects the kidneys, worry consumes the qi of pancreas, or how anger strangles the heart.
It is through careful examination that the practitioner is able to find the breakdown of the qi dynamic. Questions about other bodily functions and life style give insight to how other organs are contributing to the breakdown in the qi dynamic. This is one of the reasons why Chinese medicine is so effective in places where western medicine fails, because the whole body is assessed. Once a proper diagnosis has been made, treatment may proceeded that will energetically support the imbalance.

What is most important to understand is that by addressing proper qi flow we can strengthen the body, reduce inflammation, slow the aging process, improve emotional well being and stability. Have you ever watched a video of Chinese people in the park in the mornings practicing Qi Gong and Tai Chi? Have you ever asked your self, why are they doing a practice that is thousands of years old? I was amazed witnessing this on my first trip to China. Soooo many people practicing many different forms. My favorite was a group of elderly women in matching outfits practicing Tai Chi sword forms (see picture above).

Through the use of regular exercises (Tai Chi/ Qi Gong), consistent acupuncture treatments, and an energetically balanced diet, you can be sure to have strong and vibrant body. I have even witnessed severely debilitated bodies rebound dramatically by fully embracing this life style, with minor changes to their current life. What is important to consider is, what is more important; a) a life that only nourishes your life on one level, or, b) a life style that accounts for you spirit, mind, and body? I have had great success guiding patients through this subtle path of qi dynamics to arrive in a place of greater health and vitality. Through careful guidance and planning on diet, lifestyle choices, and exercises your life can be completely changed into one with joy, ease, and grace.

The Year of the Earth Dog

In Chinese astrology each zodiac year ( rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog and pig) is not just associated with an animal sign, but also one of five elements: Gold (Metal), Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth…the year of 2018 meets the element of Earth, so 2018 is a Earth  Year. During the Year of the Dog the element of Earth is significantly more prominent because Dog’s nature strongly resonates with the Earth element. For people whose Earth element is predominant in their Chinese life horoscope, a particular stability through the entire year of 2018 should allow them to organize their personal and professional life more confidently and efficiently.

According to the precepts of Wu Xing, or the creative cycle of the 5 elements, Earth creates Metal. In order to gain joyful fulfillment throughout the year, it’s auspicious to show solidarity and brotherhood, so that the noble and vigorous righteousness of the Earth Dog is converted into material and spiritual wealth.
Dog Years are not conducive to waste and unnecessary expenses. For success, in love as in work, depends primarily on the quality of the communication between people, and learning that being selfless and generous can bring the promise of a more generous reward in return.

Even though the Year of the Earth Dog can be very good for financial aspects, but from a health point of view, can be precarious. Actually, in the year of the dog, all zodiac signs will want to pay special attention to their health. 2018 is an ideal time to start eating healthy, doing sports and getting rid of bad habits. Have a great year, and remember stay Chi-ful!

The more I search, the more I get lost. The more I try to “figure out”, less I understand. My mind just loves to tinker, figure, explain, define, dissect, plan, define, and it is really great at it!! The downside to such mental gymnastics is that there is always a gapping void to satisfaction, which goads my mind to push further into trying to understand my self, my life further and further. They key word is TRYING, which leads to the inevitability of failure. It is far easier to think and/or reason what life is about. Feeling is the antithesis to reasoning. Feeling is not a faculty of the mind, but of the heart. Our culture emphasizes the use of the mind more so than the heart. Often referring to it as fools errand to follow such folly as listening to your heart.

The mind is an amazing tool, a set of cognitive faculties that enables perception, thinking, judgement, and memory. When the mind is the sole guide in the decision making process, it can prevent the heart from listening to the intuitive or spiritual side of our nature. In this state a person will look outside of the self for definition, purpose and approval. They will reminisce of the past or over plan for the future, sacrificing the present moment where one lives. “Worry never robs tomorrow of its sorrow; it only saps today of its’ strength (A.J. Cronin). In Chinese Medicine the Heart is considered the seat of consciousness, how we know ourselves from one another, what is our highest good and how can it be furthered along. When the Heart is obscured from information, making any and all decisions to fulfill our ultimate nature are hindered. A persons ultimate nature or Tao (path of life/purpose) or some refer to as dharma is imprinted in the DNA or residing in the Yuan Qi (original source qi).

Balancing the heart and the mind must be maintained in order to achieve our ultimate potential. It is only until emotional freedom has been obtained that such a balance can occur. If we navigate through life without “heart”, it is a life with no passion, or inspiration. When the mind is the sole navigator, it is like trying to find a path across a creek, looking for a stable enough stone to move onto. If every decision we took was a safe, dependable one, what kind of person would you be? The defining moments of our lives come from the unexpected turn of events that happen. A sudden death in the family, a promotion, winning the lottery, or being robbed, good or bad such events are life changing. It is how we “choose” to process such circumstance that defines us as a person. At some point through our lives some challenging moment(s) arise, leaving a “scar”, an emotional imprint. One that colors the way in which we meet life, an emotional theme that filters all circumstances in such a way that it creates a dispositional reaction.

In order to avoid the pain of this emotional imprint or wound, the mind navigates life like a mine field. Never engaging people or circumstances that trigger these seeds of pain. True emotional freedom is circumvented every moment, of everyday. The burden of protecting the emotional wounds prevents the heart from truly being open to experience life fully. Many chronic diseases stem from such patterned behaviors. There is a lack of drive, vitality, resignation, and despair that eventually develops, permeating into one’s life, which inhibits the progression of manifesting the fullest extent of their destiny’s potential.

When you hear someone say that woman has heart, they are actually saying, they have character, a depth because they have endured a hardship or if you will a heartship , an emotional event that required her to step beyond her limits, her normal ability to deal with life. Growth of character comes from transcending such emotional pain and/or taking risks that have uncertain outcomes. Much suffering can arise from patterned reactions in the processing of daily events. “Emotional manifestation can be worries. They also can be stemming from anger. This prevents the heart from maintaining emotional balance. Not able to pay attention, unable to unrecognized others for who they are… A moment of Qi that leads to the darkening of the consciousness.” (Elizabeth Rochat de la Valle’e).

So here is the obligatory self promotion. YES, acupuncture can be incredibly effective in helping heal emotional scars. One of the primary treating principles in Chinese Medicine is that “Qi follows thought”. The power of our thoughts have such powerful effects upon our bodies, and realities. There is an old Buddhist quote, “Mind your thoughts, they become your words. Mind your words, they become your deeds. Mind your deeds, they become your life.” An emotional scar has a tremendous amount of stuck Qi. Regular treatment can be highly effective in the healing/processing of such wounds. With the right practitioner, who can meet you where you are, who is an effective life coach and acupuncturist, your thoughts and feelings can shift in dramatic ways.

By: Kyle Chapin, L.Ac.