![All Things Health Team](/en-my/_next/image/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcms.allthingshealth.com%2Fen-my%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fsites%2F2%2F2021%2F08%2Fath-team-profile.png&w=96&q=75)
How To Keep Qi In Balance
Published | 5 min read
Suffering through sleepless nights? Feeling tired and drained? Your Qi might be off balance. Here’s how you can balance your energy and achieve inner harmony.
![How to keep qi in balance](/en-my/_next/image/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcms.allthingshealth.com%2Fen-my%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fsites%2F2%2F2024%2F05%2Fhow-to-keep-qi-in-balance.jpg&w=1920&q=75)
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), “qi” (pronounced “chee”) is a fundamental concept referring to the vital life force or energy that flows through the body. This energy is an essential component of any living being. Health issues, whether physical, emotional, or mental, are often attributed to disruptions or imbalances in the flow of qi.
Imbalances in qi can lead to a variety of discomforts, even outright diseases, both acute and chronic. It is important, therefore, to restore balance in one’s qi and not just address the symptoms.
In this article, we will discuss the two types of qi imbalances and various tips on how you can keep your qi in its proper balance and harmony.
Two Types of Qi Imbalances
There are two types of qi imbalances.
The first is qi deficiency. Generally speaking, qi decreases as we age, but it can also be due to using too much qi in our hectic daily life.
![](/en-my/_next/image/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcms.allthingshealth.com%2Fen-my%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fsites%2F2%2F2024%2F05%2Fhow-to-keep-qi-in-balance-1.jpg&w=750&q=75)
If you notice any of these signs, it might mean your body’s energy, or qi, is low:
- Fatigue
Insomnia Cold fingers and feet - Poor digestion
- Weak immune system
- Shortness of breath
- Frequent urination
- Little to no appetite
- Chronic loose stools
The second imbalance is stagnant or excess qi. Excess qi can be due to toxins in the environment, such as polluted air or water. It can also result from overeating or overworking, excessive physical activity, stress, and anger or other negative emotions.
You may have excess qi if you have the following symptoms:
- Feelings of stress and tension
- Irritability
Emotional outbursts - Painful menstruation
- Migraines
- Digestive problems
Tips on Keeping Your Qi In Balance
Let us now list down important tips on keeping your qi in balance.
1) Eat a healthy, balanced diet that enhances your qi
Eating foods rich in vitamins and minerals, including fruits and vegetables, can help restore balance and boost your qi as part of your daily diet.
Fermented foods, such as kimchi, miso, and natto are all rich in probiotics that support the gut microbiome – which plays a crucial role in digestion and absorption of nutrients. Add in some healthy fats, including nuts, olive oil, coconut oil, and avocados.
Herbs such as turmeric, cordyceps, ginseng, ashwagandha, ginger and garlic are valued in TCM for their anti-inflammatory properties that can enhance the qi.
2) Drink herbal teas
undefined A good example is chrysanthemum tea, which helps to boost heart health, vision health, and the immune system. It is also good for digestion.
3) Get regular exercise via Tai Chi or Qigong
Too much intense exercise can cause stagnation of qi. Instead, go for lighter exercises, like Tai Chi or Qigong, on a daily basis. Qigong especially is great for strengthening, healing, and harmonizing your body.
![](/en-my/_next/image/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcms.allthingshealth.com%2Fen-my%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fsites%2F2%2F2024%2F05%2Fhow-to-keep-qi-in-balance-2.jpg&w=750&q=75)
4) Get enough rest and sleep
If you want to recharge your qi, the best way to do it is by getting enough rest and sleep. If you are overexerting yourself at work, take a few minutes to rest. The short break can help improve clarity and conciseness. As for sleeping at night, it is recommended that you get seven to nine hours of sleep.
5) Get a good dose of nature
Allot time in your day to get out and enjoy nature. You can recharge your qi by getting enough sunlight and fresh air. Go for a brisk jog or even a long walk.
6) Acupressure/Acupuncture
Both acupressure and acupuncture helps in improving the circulation of your qi.
7) Deep breathing
According to TCM, the breath is the connection between the qi and one’s physical existence. Breath-work can help to expel excess carbon dioxide, clear your mind, and awaken your body.
To do deep breathing properly, perform what is called Buddhist Breathing or Belly Breathing.
![](/en-my/_next/image/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcms.allthingshealth.com%2Fen-my%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fsites%2F2%2F2024%2F05%2Fdeep-breating-bent-forward.jpg&w=750&q=75)
Focus on your regular breathing for 12 inhales and 12 exhales. Then, place one hand on your chest and the other hand on your belly. Do deep breathing, expanding your chest and belly, for 9 inhales and 9 exhales.
8) Restore qi with Meditation
As you take care of your body, you should also care for your mind. Stress is known to stagnate and deplete qi. To relieve stress, try meditation. It helps to create a stronger connection between your body and mind, reduce anxiety, and increase self-awareness.
9) Release negative thoughts and emotions
Negative thoughts and emotions are also known to stagnate qi in the liver. If you are being burdened by negative thoughts, here is one way to release them. Take a pen and a piece of paper. List down all your negative thoughts and emotions. If you are angry with someone, write down your feelings, but end it by saying that you will forgive them. Once you’re done listing down all your negative thoughts and emotions, crumple or burn the paper. This symbolic gesture will help you release negative thoughts and emotions.
Let these tips help you in keeping your qi in balance. Don’t be too hard on yourself as it takes time to balance your qi. Starting now is a positive first step in restoring harmony in your qi.
References
- The Qi. 9 Simple Ways to Restore and Balance Your Qi. [Last accessed March 25, 2024]
- Natural Health Woman. How to Balance Your Qi. [Last accessed March 25, 2024]
- GoodNet. 5 Steps to Balance Qi Energy. [Last accessed March 25, 2024]
- Evolve Wellness Vancouver. An Introduction To Qi Energy: Signs Of Imbalance + How To Get Back On Track. [Last accessed March 25, 2024]
Share this article on