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What is Health?
We all know, more or
less, what health is. We can recognize when someone has the glow of
health or when someone doesn't look as healthy as they could. But
within each individual, what does that consist of? Within Chinese
medicine, the answer to that question is: the proper qi of that
individual.
The concept of qi is essential to Chinese medicine. This quote on
qi comes from my article, "The Roots of Health" (you can read the whole
article on the articles page of the website - see the link below):
"Qi can be translated as energy, influence, vital function and
breath. Within nature the transformations of qi can be seen in the
cyclical movement of day and night, the phases of the moon, and the
changing seasons. The environmental forces of wind, dampness, dryness,
warmth, cold and summer heat (a specific quality of heat) are
expressions of the qi at a specific time and place.
Within the body, qi is the energy that allows the functioning of
life through warmth, movement, transformation, containment and defense.
It is the energy that maintains and safeguards the integrity of the
body and mind, containing and preserving what is necessary to life and
repelling what would be harmful. The attributes of qi within the body
can be seen in the energy, warmth and vital movement of life. All
transformations and movements within the body, whether physical or
emotional, depend on the correct and balanced function of the qi. "
Health is thus the movement of qi that is proper to the individual.
Cultivating the proper movement of qi is cultivating health. So how
do we cultivate qi within our own life? Through following the rhythms
and movements of nature, as manifested in the seasons; through
developing the body, the breath and the mind with practices and
exercises such as qigong; through eating and enjoying high quality,
nourishing foods; through listening to beautiful music and reading
inspiring books; and through quietly enjoying the beauty of nature and
the company of those around us. All of these things quiet
non-productive activity within the body and mind and provide the
highest quality foundation for the correct qi to naturally develop.
The more faithfully we follow our own nature and the greater
movement of nature around us, the more we cultivate the proper movement
of qi within our life. Of course, sometimes we will get sick and other
times we will be more healthy, but this too is part of the natural
rhythm of life. In situations where we need extra support we can look
to traditional Chinese methods (such as Chinese herbal medicine),
western medical treatments, or whatever other interventions are
indicated. However, working to cultivate the qi, perhaps especially
when we are not feeling well, will bring us back to ourselves and to
our proper nature. This is not simply an adjunct to support healing -
it is the heart of health.
Visit the articles section of our website here.
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