Wei Qi (defensive Qi)

Wei Qi
A Chinese medicine concept that has been inspiring me recently.

Your Wei Qi is similar to your immune system, building up this healthy defence system. But it is also so much more than that. The Wei Qi not only assists in the protection of our physical body, it also guards us energetically.

The Wei Qi exists on the surface of the body, and within the tendons and muscles. In Medical Qigong Theory, it is thought that the Wei Qi field extends beyond the surface of our bodies, encompassing the auric and subtle energies associated with our emotional and spiritual body.  Kewl.

Things that harm Wei Qi:
- Extreme weather conditions like dampness, wind, heat, or cold
- Consuming toxic or contaminated food or water
- Not having a nutritious diet
- Being in energetically and emotionally toxic environments or relationships
- Suppressing emotions such as anger and grief resulting from emotional traumas
- Engaging in behaviours that go against one's values, like lying or gossiping, which actually is said to create holes in the Wei Qi field.

On the other hand, there are ways to strengthen the Wei Qi:
- Eating a healthy seasonal diet and incorporating herbs if necessary, as this supports the production of Wei Qi and the physical field.
- Practicing Qigong, Yin or Yoga, which help regulate and train the channels, making them "thicker" with Qi and supporting the protective layer. There are specific Qigong exercises that focus on strengthening the Wei Qi, such as exercises for the lungs, spleen, kidneys, and extraordinary vessels. One of my teachers @stephanienosco has a vast collection of short practices and so much more inspo on her feed.
- Engaging in breath work, which can strengthen the lungs and improve the circulation of Wei Qi.

Big Love