Dear Patient,
We acupuncturists love talking about qi. You might have heard it mentioned during a treatment, but what you may not know is that qi exists in many forms in the body. Zong qi is a type of qi that collects in the chest. The name Zong (rhymes with gong) means “gathering,” and it encompasses body processes related to the Lungs and Heart, such as respiration, circulation, and speech. It’s easily affected by emotional imbalances, especially grief. Irregular heartbeat, wheezing, cold extremities and a weak voice are all symptoms of weak Zong Qi.
Ren 17, located in the center of the chest, is one of the strongest points for affecting the Zong qi. It gathers and concentrates the Zong qi while simultaneously expanding and moving it. I love using this point when the emotions feel stuck in the chest. You can apply acupressure at Ren 17 for any condition affecting the chest, heart and lungs (scroll down for location notes).
One important thing to note about Zong qi is that it’s formed when nutrients from the food we eat combine with qi from the air we inhale. So the quality of the Zong qi the body creates is very much dependent on the raw materials. It’s not just what we eat and breathe, it’s also how we eat and breathe. Doing so with awareness and purpose supports healthy Zong qi, which in turn nourishes the Lungs and Heart, and the blood, and the emotions, and eventually everything else in the body.
Like breathing, the gathering of the Zong qi is an involuntary action, but we can also remember to gather with intention.
Love and gratitude,
Your Acupuncturist
P.S. Each Wednesday I write about a different acupuncture point. Are there any you’re curious about? Let me know!
Location notes:
Ren 17 is located in the center of the breastbone, in the depression level with the space between the 4th and 5th ribs. Press around on the sternum until you find a tender spot, then rub in slow circles while taking some deep breaths.