tcm theory

Wei Qi: How the Body Prevents Colds and Flu According to TCM

✍️Wendy Brown, Lic. Ac.

As a microcosm of the rhythms and fluctuations of the seasons and their elemental factors to which we are inextricably linked, Chinese medicine would consider the result of our health in one season as being a marker of our lifestyle preparations in the previous seasons as well as in the present. With regard to colds and flus, the ability of the immune system to resist external pathogens, be they bacterial, viral, or allergen toxins that result in immune suppression that leaves us ailing and struggling to recover, exists in the strength of ‘Wei Qi.’

A patient texted me asking how my flu kung fu is: i.e. my thoughts on flu shots. I put together the following from the TCM perspective to share in response. Collage by W.Brown, Lic. Ac.

In Chinese medical theory, Wei Qi is fierce, useful, combative energy from nutrition, says the Lingshu, a medical text compiled in the 1st century BCE, one of two parts of a larger work known as the Huangdi Neijing, the Yellow Emporer’s Divine Classic. Wei Qi is lively and agitated and circulates in superficial tissues, skin, connective tissue, muscles and peritoneum. It radiates to the chest and abdomen. According to the classics, it does not circulate through the meridians but rather flows through the face, trunk, and limbs during the day, and at night through the viscera. Wei Qi protects the body from external perverse energies by opening and closing pores and warming connective tissues. It concentrates at the sites of acupuncture points, the “Holes of Qi,” per se. Wei Qi represents the whole immune system, from leukocytes to anti-bodies, histamine, bradykinin and serotonin.

In Chinese medicine it is an intrinsic reference to discuss “wind gates” and “wind invasion or wind penetration.” The neck, sides of the head, forehead, and upper back according to TCM are conduits whereby externally contracted pathogenic wind can gain entry to the body. Fierce Wei Qi is the primary way the body resists an invasion. Nutritional status, inadequate rest, excessive consumption of alcohol, among other lifestyle factors may lead to the impairment of Wei Qi. It is always advisable to adequately keep wind gates covered, interestingly, in every season to varying degrees. The migration of wind inside the superficial levels of the body can lead to cold and flu symptoms exhibited as chills, body aches, headache, runny nose, congestion, cough and fever. Vulnerability in externally contracting wind is increased by damp hair. We are far more empowered than we may realize in the ways to govern our health and be master of our own unfolding. The timeless ways of Traditional Chinese medicine can be an invaluable guide to reeducating our modern misconceptions and to show us the way.

Further reading on Wind

With all best wishes for a healthy cold weather season!

Posted by Wendy in analytical

Giovanni Maciocia on Types of Acupoints

Patients often wonder why the needles are left in only 10 minutes

on the back and longer on the front,

or why sensations of QI vary the way they do.

Posted by Wendy in analytical

Bipolar Disorder

The imbalance of spiraling from Yang to Yin to Yang

Spiraling from Yang to Yin to Yang

In Chinese medicine, bipolar is a range of Mind-Body-Spirit disorder, Dian is a Yin manifestation, tending from deficiency, and manifesting as depression and withdrawal; While Kuang, or mania, belongs to Yang patterning, and manifests as full agitation.

Prolonged withdrawal [Dian] leads to phlegm depression transforming into fire, which results in mania; While prolonged mania [Kuang] leads to insufficiency of vital Qi, resulting in withdrawal. Dian and Kuang, in their extremes, are always inter-related; transformative aspects of Yin and Yang.

Posted by Wendy in analytical

Moderate Daily Exercise

Rest and exercise should compliment one another. Rest with little physical exertion tends to be harmful to the body; long-term sitting being harmful to the muscles, and lying down for extended periods harms the Qi. It can be concluded that even with good diet and rest, but without physical exercise, the entire system is burdened.

Harmony is the essential characteristic of the Chinese philosophy of health. Everything from Heaven and Earth, to the seasons, to the five elements, to the human body, must remain harmonious with the Tao [Universal Qi] in order to maintain its existence. To preserve vital Qi we must learn to flow with the Tao and seek harmony and balance. In this way, moderation is key.

Choose suitable, individualized, daily physical exercise to reduce stress and the hazards of disease. It should be noted that lifting and bearing beyond one’s true strength harms to the body. Qi Gong, T’ai Chi, and yoga are excellent practices to promote healthy organ functioning, nervous system, and circulation among plentiful other benefits.

Posted by Wendy in analytical

Rules and Judgement, Su Wen Ch.70


Judgment [lun cai] and mind [zhi yi] must be based upon laws and rules. If one follows the classics, observing the calculations and accordingly, practicing [medicine] with due reverence to these rules, will be of benefit and set an example for all humankind. If the way is carefully observed, myriad diseases can be cured. Qi and Blood will assume a proper balance, and the Mandate of Heaven will last long.

Pertaining to Rules and Judgements

If one punishes where there is no transgression, this is a great error.

If one rebels against the grand norms of nature, True Qi cannot be restored.

If a practitioner treats a repletion as if it were a depletion, if s/he considers evil Qi as if it were true Qi, and if s/he [applies needles] disregarding what is right to do, plunders Qi, and in that, removes proper Qi [of the patient].

SuWen Ch.70, Based on Translations by Paul Unschuld

Posted by Wendy in analytical

Over-Thinking

Worry and anxiety are examples of excessive thinking recognized by traditional Chinese medicine as injurious to the harmony of the Spleen. The Spleen, in tandem with the Stomach, constitute the digestive process. The Spleen also secures residence to the intellect, or Yi. Pensiveness, brooding, compulsive thought, study and the like, disrupt the Spleen functions of absorbing nutrients and subsequently generating blood. Mental processing, a function of Yi, can drain Spleen Qi. Blood carries nutrients required for cellular regeneration. Aging is ultimately a weakening of nutrient absorption. This often gets people’s attention.

When the Spleen is healthy, Yi communicates with frequencies of one’s world with clarity so thought process is directed into action in an integrated way where the individual is largely contented and not overly attached to concerns or outcomes. Emotional entanglement, as will too much sitting, allow mental process the range to become a source of obfuscation and illness. This has significance also for the great many who daily gaze at their cellphones, taking in the world of ideas, making comparisons and evaluations that then need to be digested – drawing on the function of Spleen Qi. This may seem like a small piece, but it is an important one.

‘Racing and hunting craze the mind.
No strife, then no blame.’ -I Ching

 

Posted by Wendy in analytical