Qi is the vital life force or energy that flows through channels in the body. With adequate Qi, people can live a long and healthy life. The quality and balance of Qi in your body determines your body constitution.
The strength of your Qi is comes from three sources:
- Congenital or Inborn Essence
- Air Qi - the air we breathe
- Grain Qi - the food we eat
You cannot control your congenital Qi. The strength and quality of this Qi was set at conception. However, you have great power to build your acquired Qi through the food you eat and the air you breathe.
Proper diet and lifestyle choices can help move your body from a deficient or excessive constitution type to a neutral or healthy constitution. Being in a neutral state, with excellent balance between yin and yang, will build your immune system and inner vitality. Strong immunity is especially important in the winter when viruses are more prevalent.
As you read about the different body constitutions in subsequent lessons, you will learn the characteristics of each and how building Qi can help overcome associated weaknesses.