As life force energy, qi is present in our experience as body/mind/spirit. In the beginning of life, two cells unite and the impetus that creates a human life begins. The qi, as life force intelligence, facilitates cell division. Organs form and with enough nourishment and qi from the mother, and all goes well, a healthy baby arrives into the world.
Upon birth, we come into the world with qi, or life force energy, that is inherited from our parents. We refer to the vital essence we are born with as Source Qi. It’s like our savings account of life force. Source qi is the function and container that supports life in growth, development, maintenance, health and longevity. As long as we have something in the “Source Qi Piggy Bank,” so to speak, we experience being alive in the body.
Yet, life can be full of stressors and experiences that are depleting physically, mentally and emotionally. Lifestyle conditions, habits and personal choices all influence health, well-being, quality of life and longevity. These variables in life will inevitably have us tap into our Source Qi resources for sustainability. Chronic stress, malnourishing foods, insufficient sleep, all put greater demand on our Source Qi. Eventually, when the Source Qi dissipates and the “bank breaks,” life is no longer sustainable. For optimal health and longevity, it’s best to keep your Source Qi reserves intact as much as possible.
Rather than dramatically depleting Source Qi that we inherit at birth, we can supplement with Acquired Qi. Acquired qi is transformed from the air we breathe and the food we eat. Optimal nutrition supports the vital building blocks of the human body, such as nucleic acids (both DNA and RNA) and amino acids.
Additional biomolecular building blocks are lipids and glycans. Better known as protein, fats and carbohydrates, these essential components found in the foods we eat, are transformed into energy and help replenish Acquired Qi.
In addition to a nutritious diet, qi can also be acquired via the breath. Mindfully breathing with rhythmic movement of the diaphragm and chest, allows for optimal distribution of qi throughout the body. By focusing on the breath, we can ease emotional and mental stress. Anxiety and physical tension dissipate as we return to a centered space of awareness.
Along with the breath, exercise and movement practices such as walking, stretching, yoga, and Qigong support the flow and function of life force energy. Moving the body aids in the release of physical stress and tension. Blood flow improves. Organs, joints, connective tissues are nourished.
Qi may also be cultivated through practices of meditation, visualization and mindful intentions. Sitting and active meditations create space to recenter, balance and renew, allowing the body and mind to relax. Energy tied up in unproductive thought patterns and emotional loops begins to unwind. Meditation allows one to welcome in qi as renewing life force, imagining health, vitality, peace and joy.
We certainly cannot control all the influences on our health and well-being, but we can be mindful of ways to acquire qi for greater balance. By managing stress levels, eating a nutritious diet and allowing for ample sleep, we can replenish resources for optimal health.
Acquired Qi supplements the Source Qi received at birth. Adding resources to the “piggy bank of qi reserves,” allows for health maintenance and repair, healthy aging and longevity. By engaging in our own health care practices to cultivate qi, balance and well-being, we can improve our quality of life, meeting life’s challenges, joys and growth opportunities with greater ease and intentional response.