What is Qi? (How to Get More Energy) by Brian B. Carter, MS, LAc

Another way to understand things is by their absence (darkness is defined as the absence of light). Without sufficient qi,

* your digestive system cannot break down food or transport nutrients to the rest of your body

* you become easily fatigued and are always tired

* you lose your appetite

* your limbs are heavy

* you might wake up frequently at night because you need to urinate

* academic/organizing thought is difficult or impossible

* everything is overwhelming (you cannot 'digest' what is going on)

* you tend to worry (the emotional component - TCM is a holistic medicine that does not separate body and mind)

How Do I Get More Qi?

The proper diet goes a long way. TCM dietary principles are too complex to cover here (I must say though that it is surprising to many patients, perhaps because vegetarianism is thought to be synonymous with alternative medicine, that TCM advocates eating meat and mostly cooked foods).

Herbs that increase the qi include ginseng, and codonopsis.

Avoid activities that drain the qi - Be sensible about your energy expenditure by living a balanced life; don't be too sedentary or too active. If you are a couch potato, your qi can't flow without exercise. If you are a type-A personality, relax and don't use yourself up too early in life - you may live to regret it!

Go to Page 1

BIO:

Acupuncturist, herbalist, and medical professor Brian B. Carter founded the alternative health megasite The Pulse of Oriental Medicine (http://www.PulseMed.org/). He is the author of the book "Powerful Body, Peaceful Mind: How to Heal Yourself with Foods, Herbs, and Acupressure" (November, 2004). Brian speaks on radio across the country, and has been quoted and interviewed by Real Simple, Glamour, and ESPN magazines.

Some Aditional Articles you may enjoy

Top nutritional tips to support hair growth. by Richard Mitchell

What Makes It Hard to Change by David Junno Psy.D.

Do you know the difference between brewing tea for testing vs. for tasting? by Tea Hub

Know Your Muscle Building Exercises - The Chest by Rick Mitchell

How To Take An Enema by Kristina Amelong, CNC, CT

Click a Number to go to an article index page
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31 | 32 | 33 | 34 | 35 | 36 | 37 | 38 | 39