In Chinese medicine, wei qi refers to our protective energies, our abilities to defend against pathogens–viruses and bacteria, and other harmful energies.

The wei qi is most closely associated with our lung and large intestine meridians (energy channels).

Thus, when we nourish these energy channels we also create balance with the wei qi.

When the wei qi is in balance, we tend to display the following traits.

• We receive constructive observations about our behaviors well and view them as positive opportunities for growth.
• Display an openness to engage and accommodate the needs of others.
• Display less ego in interactions because we feel securely in balance–safe and protected.
• Take deeper and fuller breaths naturally.
• Process the emotions of sadness, disappointment effectively such that we are able to see, feel and experience the growth opportunities in these emotional states.
• Let go of experiences that do not serve us well–emotional baggage is minimal.
• Have an immunity system that protects us well without being overactive (where the overactive state might manifest as allergies or auto-immune diseases).
• Open our third eyes and our spiritual intuitiveness.

When our wei qi is overactive we tend to:

• Feel threatened, deflective, defensive or criticized when met with constructive observations about our behaviors.
• Feel less comfortable engaging others because we feel insecure at moments.
• Display more egoic based thinking–we may be less aware and sensitive to the need to accommodate the desire of others.
• We tend to breathe more shallowly with constricted breaths, and manifest health issues related to shallow breathing such as fatigue.
• We struggle more or repress the emotions of disappointment, sadness or grief.
• We hold onto emotional baggage allowing past experiences to significantly color our perceptions of current experiences.
• Have immunity challenges such that we develop auto-immune diseases, allergies, or weaknesses that predispose to frequent colds or infections.
• Have difficulty accessing our spiritual intelligence and will.

Wei qi is also associated with our upper dan tien and spiritual energies that reside within our intuitive parts of our brain. Thus, when we evolve our wei qi energies we also increase our abilities to ascend our spiritual development. When our spirits are adequately protected, yet not in a state of constant alarm (as would be the case with an overactive wei qi), our spirits can relax, grow and vibrate at a higher level.

How do we bring the wei qi into balance?

• Qi gong movements that involve expanding the wei qi and contracting it with special movements can help us regulate the wei qi energies. The Taoist five lung and large intestine movements are very helpful for this.
• Deep breath work with the intention of inhaling to contract an imaginary outer bubble layer of energy and exhaling to expand that bubble is also helpful.
• Foods that nourish the immunity can also help to support the wei qi.  Cauliflower, asian pears, water chestnuts, and white cabbage are powerful antioxidants and wei qi boosters.
• Visualization is also a powerful tool.  The next time you feel defensive or are experiencing physical symptoms related to wei qi imbalance, imagine a silver metal energy surrounding your body–see that energy as fluid not rigid.  Experience that energy as shining and bright, protecting the very core of who you are.  Feel the love in this energy and allow yourself to experience new levels of confidence and faith.

For additional strategies for using qi gong movement or bodywork to balance the wei qi energies, call Kay Hutchinson, CAMQ, CAMT at 512.468.6588 or email at info@aikihealing.com