Dear Patient,
Gathering Qi is a useful exercise when you need a boost of energy, a clearing of the head, or just a reset.
Stand with your feet facing forward and hip-width apart, slight bend in the knees, shoulders relaxed, arms at your sides. Slowly inhale and sweep your arms out to the sides like you’re making a snow angel, palms facing upward. At the top of your inhale, your arms will be straight overhead, palms facing one another. Now, as you exhale, bend your elbows and slowly lower your arms down the front of your body, palms facing down. At the bottom of your exhale, bring the palms to rest on your lower abdomen. Repeat a few times.
Now here’s the important part. As you inhale, you’re going to gather in qi or energy from your surroundings. It doesn’t matter if you don’t fully grasp the concept of qi or how to gather it. Just imagine your arms taking in all the good stuff around you. Then as you exhale, bring that good stuff into your body. Again, the specifics aren’t terribly important. Sometimes it helps to imagine moving through water. Just breathe and be present. Take it all in.
Here’s the other thing. Don’t worry about taking too much. There’s plenty of qi in the universe for all of us. Gather as much as you need.
Love and gratitude,
Your Acupuncturist
Thank you for this reminder.