What Happens Without Qi?

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

* your digestive system cannot break down food or transport nutrients to 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 qi include ginseng, and codonopsis.

Avoid activities that drain 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!