Ways to Build Chi

Righteous chi is an extremely valuable commodity. Chi lights up your eyes and puts spring in your step. It's indicative of inner strength and helps you shine with an outward glow. The health of your parents at the moment of conception, influences during early childhood, your environment, and constitutional strength are all part of the picture.

Chi is also influenced by how well and how often you nourish yourself, on physical, spiritual, and emotional levels. Strong chi can prevent an unwanted guest from draining energy and causing chaos. Your Chi Chatters acknowledge that there are many ways to strengthen chi.

Breath

This is the essence of life. It is important to oxygenate your entire system, and that is done with deep abdominal or diaphragmatic breathing. Oriental medicine is of the opinion that breath is the very birth of chi. A popular, one-word translation for chi is "breaths." If you are taking shallow breaths that only go as deep as your chest, you could be creating stress and anxiety.

Use your full lung capacity to increase circulation. The human system tends to breathe this way if allowed to do so. Everyday stresses can interfere with this process and the result is inefficient breathing and oxygen processing. Stop for a minute or two, relax, and simply observe the breath. Watch the lungs expand and contract naturally.

Drinking Water

Just like breath, water is also essential to our lives. If you're reading this, we know you're breathing. Do you have a glass of water sitting beside you? In our semi-arid climate, we must replace about 2 1/2 quarts of water every day. Two-thirds of our body weight is water and that's as much as 40 to 50 gallons.

Our society in general is chronically dehydrated and this contributes to many health challenges. Much of the well water in our area is "hard" with important minerals. This has been shown to be preferable to soft water that may contribute to hypertension and heart disease. We have heard that freezing water in plastic bottles is not a good idea.

Rest

As a society, we are not only thirsty but studies show that we are also sleep deprived. In our fast paced society many pride themselves of being busy and have trained their bodies to survive on less sleep. This can have long-term negative effects such as weakening your immune system and causing mood swings. All these fabulous new bed designs won't help us much if we don't get into them.

Sleep is one way that the body heals and rejuvenates itself. Darkness has been shown to be an essential state for us to experience every day so turn off your lights at night. It also makes it easier for your neighbor to watch the stars. Recent studies show that it will take longer than a weekend to recover from a sleep deprived state. Replenish yourself with several months of at least one extra hour of sleep every night. You will notice the difference.

Exercise

Turn off the television, get outside, and enjoy our beautiful state. Fortunately, Coloradans are doing a better job in this area than most people in our country. Exercise is another way to engage your chi and keep it moving. You don't have to push in a Yang style to get results. As little as twenty minutes a day three times a week is all that is required for most to maintain fitness.

Reflection

Take time during the day for quiet reflection. This can be formal meditation or as simple as closing your eyes and taking a few deep breaths. Clear your mind of the clutter. You will feel rested and ready to take on your day. "See" more. "Look for" less. 

How could we not mention the fabulous benefits of balanced Chinese herbal formulas? These can build, nourish, and restore your chi. Take charge of your life by encouraging your chi to move. Summer is a great time to set positive patterns. We must stretch and grow so that we can harvest all of life's bounty.