Chinese Medicine has long recognized that every persons body is made up of and maintained by energetic flows known as Qi . Qi is generated by the body and distributed as needed through it in cyclic patterns which keep the body working well. When qi is ample and flowing smoothly a person is healthy.
The reason why health deteriorates in Chinese Medicine is blockages and/or lack of qi flow. These blockages and/or flow issues may be caused by stress, infectious illness, inherited weakness in our body structure, exposure to environmental toxins, overuse of particular systems, unsuitable diet and more. As a rule It is hard to stay unblocked . Life provides numerous challenges which will imprint and impact us.
The potential to improve Qi circulation and decrease blockages is readily available. By choosing to make small lifestyle changes you may be able to improve your health. Some of these simple changes include deep breathing, regular meal and sleep times, a diet that is right for your body type, and a balanced activity pattern.
Deep Breathing
Deep breathing can be done first thing in the morning and before you go to bed. Lay flat on your back with your knees bent. If you can’t comfortably lie on your back sit in a chair with your back straight and feet placed comfortably flat on the ground. Cross your hands over each other, palms down, and place them softly on your lower abdomen. Relax your shoulders, arms, hands , and whole body. Take slow, deep, gentle breaths. Soften your abdomen and let it expand as you inhale and allow it to “deflate” i.e. soften and collapse as you exhale. Don’t force your breathing. Soft and gentle is key.
This type of breathing may not be very comfortable at first, so just try it for as long as it feels good. One breath is a great beginning. Work up to 5 or 10 minutes twice a day. Over time you can also use this intermittently during the day to calm yourself and take a break from a hectic work schedule.
Regular eating and sleeping times
In Chinese medicine the body and its functions are associated with the planet. The Earth has regular seasonal and daily rhythms ( sunrise, sunset, the four seasons). The same is true for the human body. Our qi flows through our body and organs in a regular rhythmic manner as well as responds to the environment outside of us.
If you eat at regular times your stomach will produce gastric acid in advance and you will digest your food better. If you go to sleep at approximately the same time every night and wake up at approximately the same time the next morning your body will adapt to the pattern and you will get better quality of sleep.
A diet that is correct for your body type
Finding the diet that is correct for your body type can be a bit tricky. The determination of your correct diet, based on Chinese medical theory , is not familiar to the average American. Talking to a Chinese Medicine practitioner is your best way learn how to think about your unique dietary needs . You will be very surprised how different this dietary approach is to what we are commonly told in the United States.
Activity levels that are correct for you.
Doing one activity most of the time , i.e. sitting, standing, lying down, blocks the qi flow. Over and/or under use of the muscles and tendons can lead to weakening and blockages. Forcing yourself to do activities that are not natural to your body makeup repeatedly can also create problems.
The human body hasn’t changed much in the last 3000 years. Until about 100 years ago was rare that a person would keep one posture for most of an 8-hour day. Mixing activity patterns up i.e. standing, walking, sitting etc., throughout the day may help to improve your health. A gentle 20-minute walk once or twice a day will help to refamiliarize your body with movement and improve overall circulation. No need to force things. Try to find a way to move in a steady gentle way. Notice if you feel more energized in a week or so.
This blog post is not meant to be taken as medical advice. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns. 303 250 3044 debby@waysofthetao.com.