Four Steps To Balanced Energy
Fresh out of college, I took a job at my hometown magazine, assuming this was my steppingstone to become a prize-winning journalist.
It was not. I was writing promotional fluff pieces for accompanying paid advertisements. Not the integrity I longed for, but a first step nonetheless. I remember a local acupuncturist ran an ad, and I received the assignment of writing a complementary piece to promote their business. The acupuncturist offered ideas for my article, and they continually referred to the notion of Qi. Since Google wasn’t as influential at the time, I tried to make sense of the acupuncturist’s explanation of Qi. I failed. I didn’t do them—nor I—any justice in attempting to explain the importance of Qi.
Journey with me to the present day, when my profession is primarily focused on…Qi. You may know it as chi, prana, or even ki.
If the notion of chi by any name still feels nebulous, or you’re a neophyte as I once was, let’s review together.
What Is Chi?
Conceptually, chi is in the lineage of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). TCM proposes chi is a subtle energy that runs through the body. This subtle energy goes by different names in other traditions: Yogic tradition calls this prana; in Japan, the birthplace of Reiki, it’s known as ki. These terms denote the essential, mystical, intriguing life force that moves the universe. According to Yin Yoga expert Bernie Clark, “Chi is the pulsation of the universe itself…It is found everywhere, in all things. It is not quite energy or matter; rather, it can be considered energy on the verge of becoming matter, or matter on the verge of becoming energy. Chi is becoming and being. Chi doesn’t cause things to happen, as Chi is always present before, during, and after any change or event.” I’m also a fan of the synonym “spirit.”
My layperson’s example conjures an image of Dr. Frankenstien’s laboratory. In the story, Victor Frankenstein assembles the monster’s body parts and attempts to spark life into his creation. Yet, the essential life-force is missing, despite the doctor’s attempts to duplicate it through scientific means.
The vitality of this life force is crucial to our physical and emotional health and wellbeing. Both weak and overactive chi cause havoc on the body, mind, and spirit. Weak or stagnant chi can make us underperforming and lethargic. In contrast, an overabundance of chi can push us towards impulsiveness, unpredictability, and being physically and metaphorically drained.
The Flow Of Chi
To function in balance, chi needs a transportation system. Akin to efficient cities needing freeways spacious enough to handle the flow of cars, chi needs clear pathways to function smoothly. A yogic view calls these “nadis,” or “little rivers.” They are called “meridians” in TCM. In comparison, the two maps show a distinct set of pathways for each lineage, making them more like sisters than twins.
The meridians are the conduits that form a network. Clark notes, “If the network is disrupted, if blockages occur, the body will not function properly.” Yet, “when the meridians are clear and open, energy flows freely and all is well.”
So, is chi real, or a creative metaphor? Evidence supports both sides, according to experts. As my teacher’s teacher encourages, we must be willing to test these things for ourselves. Thankfully, it’s simple to explore your growing relationship to chi.
Four Ways To Stimulate Energy Flow In Your Body
-acupuncture
-acupressure (including Yin Yoga)
-awareness (found in Yin Yoga, Reiki, and meditation)
-directed breath (found in Yin Yoga and breathwork/pranayama)
We’ll leave acupuncture to the experts, but you can incorporate the other three practices into your yoga and meditation routines starting today.