Key Concepts
Qi
The Chinese term for vital energy or life force. Pronounced “chee.” Qi is energy which circulates within the body. It is the animating force that provides you with the ability to talk, walk, think, metabolize, dream, and love. Qi also protects you from illness, pain and discomfort, keeping you strong and healthy. When Qi gets blocked, illness occurs. Physical or emotional strain, trauma, stress, lack of exercise, overexerion, seasonal changes, poor diet, accidents, excessive activity, or weakness can all lead to blockage of Qi. They contribute to the proper quality, quantity, and balance of Qi flowing through the meridian pathways. When the disruption of Qi is prolonged or excessive, or if your body is in a weakened state, illness, pain, or disease can set in.
Meridians
Qi circulates through specific pathways called meridians. There are 14 main meridian pathways traveling throughout your body, each one is connected to an organ system. Meridian pathways are like rivers. When a river flows, it transports life-giving waters, nourishing the land and people around it. Like rivers, wherever your meridian pathway flows, they bring life giving Qi to nourish every cell, organ, and tissue in your body. Hindering the flow of Qi circulating within your meridian pathways can lead to pain and illness.
Traditional Chinese Medicine
An ancient system of medicine and health care that is based on the concept of balanced qi, or vital energy, that flows throughout the body. Among the components of traditional Chinese medicine are herbal and nutritional therapy, restorative physical exercises, meditation, acupuncture, acupressure, and remedial massage.
Yin-Yang
Two semicircles of light and dark which form a complete circle and merge into each other is known in Chinese as the Tai Chi, and represents moving harmony (see image). The theory of Yin-Yang holds that every object or identity or phenomenon in the universe is composed of two opposite aspects (as represented in the symbol). The relationship between Yin and Yang is the principle, the cause, the force, and the balance for the flourishing and perishing of all things in the universe. They stand for heaven and earth, sun and moon, day and night, heat and cold, positive and negative, etc.
Yang
The Chinese concept of positive energy and forces in the universe and human body. Acupuncture is believed to remove yang imbalances and bring the body into balance.
Yin
The Chinese concept of negative energy and forces in the universe and human body. Acupuncture is believed to remove yin imbalances and bring the body into balance.
Moxibustion
The use of dried herbs in acupuncture. Generally, moxibustion in the United States involves the use of sticks of compressed herb(s) and is an adjunct to acupuncture rather than a part of acupuncture.
Acupressure
Finger pressure applied at predetermined strategic points along the body’s surface to have a positive impact on all levels of functioning, including emotional, mental and spiritual.
Qigong
The term Qigong (pronounced chee gung) is made up of two Chinese characters, “Qi” and “Gong”. A literal translation of the two words together would be “manipulation of vital energy”, “energy exercise” or “exercise of Qi”. Qigong is an ancient art in which people train to achieve the sensation of Qi (also referred to as chi) and manipulation of Qi by exercising the mind, breath and body. Qigong is a holistic exercise system to maintain good health, prevent disease, relieve sickness and prolong life. An alternative spelling, Chi Kung is sometimes used.
Reflexology
A way of stimulating the internal organs and increasing blood circulation to all areas of the body through the compression of reflex points on hands or most commonly, the feet.
Reiki
Reiki is a Japanese touch therapy for relaxation and pain relief that also promotes healing. Although Reiki is “hands-on”, unlike massage, Reiki is administered through a very gentle touch. While the patient is seated or lying down and fully clothed, the practitioner’s hand are placed along energy centers and pathways on the head, neck, shoulders, upper chest, abdomen, legs, and feet (similar to those used in acupuncture).