Boost Your Wei Qi!

In Chinese medicine, “Wei Qi” refers to the body’s defensive or protective energy, which is believed to circulate in the outermost layer of the body and protect it from external pathogens. It is not a level of disease but rather a concept related to the body’s immune system and its ability to resist and fight off infections and diseases.

According to Chinese medicine, when Wei Qi is strong, a person is less likely to get sick or be affected by external pathogens. However, when Wei Qi is weak, a person may be more susceptible to illness and may have difficulty fighting off infections.

Therefore, in Chinese medicine, the focus is on maintaining and strengthening Wei Qi through various practices such as acupuncture, herbal medicine, and lifestyle modifications, in order to promote overall health and prevent disease.

You can start boosting your Wei Qi by walking into your kitchen, or taking a quick trip to the grocery store. In Chinese medicine there are many foods that are believed to boost your Wei Qi. Here are some examples of foods that can help:

  1. Garlic: Garlic has immune-boosting properties that can help to strengthen the body’s defenses and promote the circulation of Wei Qi. It can be used in cooking or taken as a supplement.

  2. Ginger: Ginger has warming properties and can help to stimulate circulation and promote sweating. In Chinese medical theory, diaphoretic herbs (herbs that make you set) “push” the pathogen out so it cannot go deeper into your body. It can be used in cooking or made into a tea.

  3. Honey: Honey is believed to have immune-boosting properties and can help to soothe a sore throat and reduce coughing, It can be added to tea or used as a natural sweetener.

  4. Turmeric: Turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties and can help to support the immune system.

  5. Green Tea: Green tea contains antioxidants that help support the immune system and protect against free radical damage. It can be enjoyed hot or cold.

  6. Citrus Fruits: Citrus fruits such as oranges and lemons are high in vitamin C, which is important for immune function and can help to support the circulation of Wei Qi.

  7. Shiitake Mushrooms: Shiitake mushrooms contain beta-glucans, which can help to stimulate the immune system and promote the circulation of Wei Qi. They can be used in cooking or taken as a supplement.

While these foods can be beneficial for Wei Qi, they should be used as part of a balanced diet and in conjunction with other lifestyle practices such as adequate sleep, exercise, and stress management for optimal immune function.

When you come in for an acupuncture treatment, your practitioner may also recommend a customized Chinese herbal formula. These formulas are based on your individual signs and symptoms and are meant to affect the root (underlying causes) as well as the branch (current symptoms). Herbs can be taken in various forms such as teas, capsules, or powders.

There are many Chinese herbs that are believed to strengthen the Wei Qi and support the body’s immune system. Some of these herbs include:

  1. Astragalus (Huang Qi)

  2. Ganoderma (Ling Zhi)

  3. Atractylodes (Bai Zhu)

  4. Codonopsis (Dang Shen)

  5. Schisandra (Wu Wei Zi)

  6. Eleuthero (Ci Wu Jia)

  7. Reishi Mushroom (Ling Zhi)

  8. Cordyceps (Dong Chong Xia Cao)

  9. Ginseng (Ren Shen)

It is important to note that while these herbs are generally considered safe and effective, they should be used under the guidance of a licensed practitioner of Chinese Medicine to ensure proper dosage and to avoid any potential interactions with other medications or health conditions.

This article written with assistance from ChatGPT.