Eastern Wellness Practices

Western vs. Eastern Wellness Practices

The West and the East have long been divided by a differing philosophy of life and the values thereof. In fact, we all seek the same things in life, but have long engaged in differing philosophies as to how to attain that which we seek.

For the purposes of this discussion, I will speak to only those Eastern wellness practices that relates to physical wellness and the differing methods by which Western and Eastern philosophies approach this subject.

Qi - (pronounced CHEE) The Life Force

Every cell in our bodies makes energy. One of the foundations of Eastern wellness practices is that the energy in our bodies moves along pathways, and good health is dependent on the unobstructed flow of that energy throughout the pathways of the body.

The smooth flow of Qi in our body is most closely related to the growth of trees and their slow, steady development upward toward the sun. If some obstacle (or stressor) inhibits that growth, then the tree will grow crooked and become deformed.

When our emotional state is calm, Qi will flow evenly throughout our body. However, during emotional upheaval or unrelenting stress, our Qi tends to stagnate. This stagnation is much like turning on the water to your garden hose and then bending it until the flow is cut off.

This blockage of Qi can cause numerous physical symptoms, from insomnia to headaches to gynecological problems.

Ultimately, smooth emotions equal smooth Qi. Unfortunately, this is easier said than done. We have all, at one time or another, become caught up in the way we think things should be and have trouble accepting what really is. For many of us this feeling is constant, and when the feeling becomes overwhelming, our Qi becomes bound up and begins to stagnate.

This feeling can take the form of too many things to do and not enough time, a job we don’t like, people who annoy us, or anything that makes us unhappy, uncomfortable, frustrated, or angry. The end result may be overwhelming stress, anxiety, depression, or panic attacks.

On a daily basis, we see people attempting to move Qi, some more successfully than others. On any given weekend morning during the summer, we see thousands of people outside running, biking, and walking. They usually feel better after having exercised, because physical activity moves Qi.

However, teachers of Eastern wellness practices would caution that excessive exercise can be depleting. Drinking a cup of coffee speeds things up and also moves Qi. However, coffee is a diuretic, and excess can also be depleting. Like coffee, chemical use/abuse is an attempt to move stagnant Qi and feel better, but the depleting effects of such practices are obvious.

Qi - Spiritual and Emotional Benefits of Meditation

Meditation is also an excellent way to calm the emotions, thus allowing the Qi to move freely. Eastern wellness practices focus upon meditation as a form of mental detoxifixation.

Adopting a daily routine of meditation can help to free us from all those 'racing-thoughts' that clog our minds as we dwell upon the day-to-day needs and demands of our lives.

Using meditative aids such as the video below can help greatly in promoting the flow of life energy within us, and protect us from those ailments that can develop from unrelenting stress.

Take a moment now to meditate and improve your flow of your 'Qi'.

(music and images for making space in between the gaps. There you will find yourself, or at least the self within you that has no name. May the Force be with you.!)

Many physical symptoms that give us to feel uncomfortable or experiencing constant physical pain (i.e, headaches or muscle pain or heart burn, or gastric distress) are actually a very good barometer for measuring our emotional health. Often, when we have ignored the obvious signs that we are doing too much or need to stop and take stock of our current life situation, this discomfort will finally force us to stop and take our lifestyle into account.

Perhaps the most successful ways of dealing with stagnant Qi is learning the disciplines of T'ai-chi and/or QiGong -- long established forms of Eastern wellness practices. These combine gentle exercise with breathing techniques that allow us to even out emotions, nourish our bodies, and generate a smooth flow of Qi.

The Eastern wellness practices of Tai Chi and QiGong are only recently finding their way into Western culture. Many students of T'ai-Chi / QiGong have reported remarkable results after performing these disciplines for just a short time.

Tai Chi Exercise Routines and QiGong Exercise Routines are long established Eastern wellness practices that takes the form of exercise routines that anyone can do and which have many beneficial affects on your physical and mental health. It is an ancient system from China that consists of slow, flowing movements which are excellent for correcting balance and helps keep the joints supple and flexible.

The two main aspects are the conditioning of the body while being able to focus the mind. By simply practicing the set of exercises for 20-minutes per day, you will be able to free yourself of the harmful effects of unending stress while increasing your stamina and health.