Increasing the Flow of Your Inner Qi

If you’re feeling lethargic and can’t seem to muster up the energy needed to create a fulfilling and rewarding day, Dr. Maoshing Ni, known on Yahoo Health as the respected Dr. Mao, has some tips for increasing your qi in between acupuncture visits.

Qi is a term in traditional Chinese medicine that does not have a direct translation into Western languages. Essentially it refers to the energy or life force circulating within your body. Dr. Mao explains that qi flows through our internal channels like water flows through a riverbed. Daily stresses, environmental toxins and malnutrition can cause your qi to stagnate and become weak. A build up of stagnant qi is often related to physical diseases and disorders.

Dr. Mao’s first qi-boosting activity involves working with your breath. Most of us go through our days unaware of the involuntary action of breathing. But it is the breath that gives us life. Instead of shallow, throat breathing, take in deep breaths, filling up your lung capacity. This action supplies more oxygen to the body and helps activate your flow of qi.

Other techniques for increasing qi include creating an environment of beauty by eliminating qi-robbers like television and negative people. Also, surround yourself with flowers and other bright, living elements.

Foods that can help the flow of qi include brown rice, fish, carrots, leeks, green beans, oats, potatoes, pumpkin, soybeans, squash and tofu. Dr. Mao recommends only eating foods that are naturally in-season with no chemical pesticides or additives.