Wei Qi is considered our outer defense mechanism in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Often described as a protective blanket, it plays a key role in supporting the body’s natural ability to stay balanced and resilient.
When our defensive Qi is strong, TCM theory suggests it helps the body adapt to external factors like cold, heat, wind, and seasonal changes. Maintaining healthy Wei Qi is one way TCM encourages overall wellness and vitality.
Ying Qi is the energy we get from nutrition. Needless to say, good nutrition is essential for a good immune system.
Yuan Qi comes from the kidneys, which activates the liquids and the essence of our blood. Yuan Qi keeps our healthy oxygenated circulation system running smoothly.
Happy people have a strong Wei Qi!
There´s a need to maintain harmony with one's Qi and environment, because if the immune system is weak, and this harmony is upset, illnesses may arise.
Five Ways to Support Vitality and Resilience with Chinese Medicine:
1. Support Your Body’s Natural Defenses
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), balance is everything. When your protective Qi—known as Wei Qi—is in harmony, it’s believed to help maintain your body’s natural resilience and overall vitality.
Chinese herbal medicine offers many time-honored formulas that are traditionally used to support seasonal wellness. For personalized care, visiting a licensed acupuncturist trained in Chinese medicine is the best way to find what’s right for your body’s unique needs.
That said, there are a few herbal blends I regularly recommend to my patients—especially during seasonal changes, when traveling, or when extra support is needed. I personally use DAO Labs Immunity Support and often recommend it. Just add water—it tastes great and fits easily into a wellness routine.
2. Exercise
Keeping our Wei Qi strong is closely tied to lifestyle, especially movement. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, regular exercise—like a simple walk in fresh air—is believed to support the lungs and promote healthy circulation. This gentle activity helps encourage the smooth flow of both Qi and blood throughout the body.
Practices like Yoga and Qigong are also valued for their role in helping generate, store, and strengthen Qi, supporting overall energy and balance.
For free online yin yoga classes, meditation and Qigong/Yoga flows click here.
3. Eat Well
Eating too much greasy, sweet, chilled, or raw foods can lead to stagnation of Qi, or your energy flow. This stagnation will in turn cause discomfort, pain or a more severe imbalance in your body. Eat well and healthily by incorporating warm food, and drink warm water. healthy digestive system supports overall well-being and balance in the body.
4. De-stress
If you’ve been feeling stressed, it’s time to take a breather and understand the source of your stress. Exercise and acupuncture can help to relieve stress, as they release endorphins which have a deep, relaxing effect on your body. Many people turn to acupuncture as a way to support their overall wellness and stress management. Implementing acupuncture treatments in your life when you’re healthy can help you to stay healthy in the long run. (Free online yin yoga videos to de-stress).
5. Get Enough Rest and Sleep
A proper work-rest balance is crucial for your body to recharge and maintain internal harmony. Work and rest according to your meridian clock to keep your body function at its optimum. As a rule of thumb, Chinese medicine believes that the ideal time to sleep in accordance to the meridian clock is from 11pm to 5am. Adjust your sleeping habits to ensure you get the rest you need.
If you’re curious to learn more about Chinese medicine, feel free to contact me with questions about my education programs, etc.
If you want to book acupuncture, click here.
If you’re curious to read more about Chinese medicine and yin yoga - check my recommended books here.
All these little tips help us weave a strong Wei Qi blanket – a sense of balance and protection, as described in Traditional Chinese Medicine. And remember - how we eat will affect how we digest our food, not just from a nutritional perspective but also from an emotional one. Happy people have a strong Wei Qi! Difficult in these times for many people, but let’s try and help and support each other - to stay calm, connected and as happy as we possibly can, even though we might be separated from beloved ones!
A practitioner of Yin Yoga and acupuncture, and a pioneer of SUP Yoga, Sofie Ringsten's path has also led her through elite athlete status in the martial arts, twelve years as a street cop, a stint of ultra-marathoning, surfing, and motherhood. Her journey inspired a keen interest in resolving pain, whether physical or emotional. Sofie splits her time between Sweden and the Maldives. You can learn more about Sofie at sofieringsten.com.
