04/08/2020
Qi (氣)
‘Qi’ (energy) is an expression that we frequently encounter in our daily life, for example when something is full of vitality or when you say the atmosphere is good. It means that the person looks healthy because there is good circulation in the body. When you say a person’s atmosphere is good, it means that their presence makes their surroundings feel better. Qi refers to the body’s vitality and energy levels and when there is good energy level, the body becomes warm and can withstand the cold. Its internal organs and mental activities are also well-performing.
On the contrary, when someone says I feel bad, lethargic, sluggish or they appear to be lacking energy or in poor mood, it suggests that there is a lack of Qi in their body, causing the body to become less resistant, get tired easily, become more stressful and lose motivation in life.
A person’s level of Qi is pre-determined by their genes and can also be affected by their food consumption. Genetic influences and proper consumption of food are very important. If there is more Qi leaving the body than what is absorbed, one can become depressed, experience a feeling of helplessness and get lethargic.
The spleen and lung are related to Qi. A lack of Qi in spleen or lung results in one’s loss of appetite and their ability to digest foods, becoming more prone to getting stomach aches. One also loses energy, talks less and gets cold easily, becoming more susceptible to getting a flu or a rhinitis.
One of the easiest ways to feel Qi is by rubbing your hands, in which you will feel hot energy, known as warmth (溫氣). When you remove ‘溫’ ‘it become Qi, which refers to both cold and hot sensations.
As a way of activating Qi, I practice danjeon breathing. It allows me to absorb the energy of the universe, which can be used to circulate the energy within my body. Danjeon breathing helps me to feel the vitality of life and makes me feel good.
Frequent massage of certain acupoints such as yongcheon, taejung, jamsori and gonggok assist with circulation of Qi. Herbal ingredients such as hwangi, ginseng, liquorice and jujubeare can help to rejuvenate Qi. Hwangi, jujube and liquorice can be boiled and consumed as tea. Prescriptions of Sagunzatang and bojungikgitang may be given.
