All About Wei Qi
Immunity in TCM is influenced by several factors, one of which is by our defensive “Wei” Qi (distinguished from other types of qi or energy thought to circulate in our system, such as nutritional qi or ancestral qi). In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the body is thought of as its own microsystem, or more specifically its own “kingdom.” In the kingdom, every organ has a role and an assigned function. The Heart as the Ruler, the Lung as the Chancellor for regulation, the Liver as the General for planning and deliberation, and so forth.
As with any Kingdom, there’s a system of defense. In this paradigm, Wei Qi is an innate armor or protective barrier that lives at the walls of the kingdom or just under our skin. Viruses and bacteria are prevented from entering with this intuitive self-defense network. When a battle between you and a pathogen heats up, your body literally heats up too. This is because Wei Qi is Yang (warm, energetic) in nature, and in order to win, more Wei Qi is allocated by the body to the battlefield.
Defensive Qi works mostly around the skin and muscles, and includes responses like fever, chills and shivering. Fever is a classic example of a fierce, hot Yang battle going on, and in fact, the stronger one’s immune system, the more intense the battle (higher fever, worse symptoms). However, this defense mechanism allows for the battle to resolve quickly, as opposed to a long drawn-out illness. Sweating during a fever is seen in TCM as the body’s way of expelling the pathogen, with the pores letting the intruder out. This is why acupuncturists and Chinese herbalists will often encourage a fever rather than suppressing it.
In addition to Wei Qi acting as the body’s microbiological defense, some Chinese Medicine practitioners consider it as part of our psychological defense, known as boundaries. The idea of picking your battles takes on meaning here when the mind-body relies on the same resources for both physical and emotional protection. Remember that a boundary need not always take energy. A wall or gate is not active, it’s simply erected or closed once – protecting by its presence.
During this most sensitive time of immunity and lung health, we want to encourage you to take precautions to build up your Wei Qi and act as a defense as we begin to enter cold & flu season.
How Can Wei Qi Be Damaged?
Wei Qi, or protective energy body border, can be injured in many ways:
Poor food (GMO’s, Sugars, Refined foods, Toxic or Addictive foods)
Emotional Stress: Fear, Anger, Grief, Worry, Guilt, Blame
Negative home environment, or contact with negative people.
Distraction or lack of focus
Dullness or Depression
Low self esteem, Lack of self-worth
Lack of exercise
Lack of fresh air
Exposure to wind or excessive cold air
Lack of sleep
Illness
Arrogance – such as thinking “I know”
Alcohol, Drugs, and Smoking
How Can Wei Qi Be Strengthened?
Cleanse. In TCM, the Fall is known as the season for organizing and letting go. Take this time to cleanse both your house and emotions – get rid of junk, release old emotions that no longer serve, and let go of grief, anger and disappointments.
Exercise. Circulate and strengthen Lung Qi and promote sweating to purge pathogens from entering the Wei Qi level (skin/muscle layer). Be sure to balance aerobic activity with Yoga, qi gong, stretching and breath work. Spending time in the sauna is also a wonderful and relaxing way to induce sweating!
Prioritize sleep. Sleep is a valuable time for the liver to replenish and cleanse the blood. It is our rejuvenation time to help build a strong immunity, dream, rest and restore. At least 8 hours per night is essential for preventing disease.
Incorporate foods (to build and circulate wei qi, to clear pathogens, and invigorate intestines to clear waste): Chestnuts, raw onions, Asian pears, apples, curry, garlic, ginger, cardamom, cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, mint, mushrooms, parsnips, green onion, congee rice, banana, almond, white sesame, broccoli.
Acupuncture. Help strengthen immunity by dispersing Lung/Large Intestine stagnation and clear pathogens before they go deeper into the body. Acupuncture also helps to decrease stress and improve sleep.
Supplements. Utilize evidence-based herbs and supplements. We recommend products with high absorption Vitamin C, Cordyceps, Elderberry and Astragalus.