Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine offer effective ways to boost energy. Their methods focus on correcting any imbalanced Qi (lifeforce energy flowing through invisible meridians in your body).
Qi (pronounced Chee) is central to Chinese culture and philosophy, making Coptis chinensis with active ingredient Berberine one of the most widely prescribed herbal medications.
Acupuncture
If you’re experiencing feelings of depletion, acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine are effective solutions to restore energy. Both therapies treat the root causes of fatigue rather than simply masking its symptoms; additionally, these practices encourage healthy lifestyle choices which can help sustain high levels of energy throughout the year.
Acupuncturists believe that Qi (pronounced “chee”), which flows through energy pathways known as meridians in our bodies, regulates spiritual, emotional and physical health and should remain unbroken to ensure optimal wellness. If this vital force becomes disrupted it could lead to illness.
Acupuncture can correct this imbalance by stimulating specific meridians with very thin needles inserted through the skin. Each point corresponds to specific organs or groupings that govern specific bodily functions; when stimulated, these needles unblock Qi and restore balance.
Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioners perform an evaluation on each patient based on his/her history, tongue and pulse before administering acupuncture. These assessments determine which meridians and acupuncture points to use and then place needles at these specific acu-points – this treatment can be performed anywhere on the head, hands feet or abdomen.
TCM recognizes acupuncture treatments as one of the key methods of relieving tension and stress as sources of fatigue, fibromyalgia symptoms and chronic pain syndromes; treating pain related to TMJ disorders/teeth grinding/low back pain/sciatica etc.
When choosing an acupuncturist in your state, look for one who is licensed. Acupuncturists undergo rigorous training and must pass an exam administered by your state board licensing exam. Inquire as well about his or her experience as well as conditions they treat.
Numerous individuals who turn to acupuncture to manage stress and pain have found it effective at increasing energy. Acupuncture has also been proven to aid sleep quality, strengthen immunity, alleviate drug withdrawal symptoms and support behavior change efforts such as weight loss or smoking cessation.
Herbal Medicine
Acupuncture and herbal medicine can both provide effective solutions for revitalizing energy levels and treating the causes of fatigue, such as stress, insomnia or digestive issues. Chinese herbs are plant based and therefore do not carry with them the potential side effects associated with many drugs. Chinese herbal medicine takes an holistic approach to treatment, meaning acupuncturists address not only main symptoms like eczema but also consider sleep, eating and emotional needs of clients as part of this practice. Chinese herbal medicine uses an array of herbs combined into formulas prescribed using the Jun-Chen-Zuo-Shi system (The Four Responsible Roles). Each herb serves a different function but when combined together can have more powerful and specific healing properties.
Herbal medicine can provide us with extra energy boost. Teas, tinctures, powders and tablets may all contain herbs that nourish our qi or jing (essence). Some of the more frequently used ones include:
Chinese herbal medicine is an entirely natural therapy with no known adverse side effects. Studies have demonstrated that certain key components of Chinese herbs can influence energy metabolism by stimulating mitochondrial biogenesis, controlling fatty acid and glucose metabolism and moderating mitochondrial respiratory activity.
Both acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine have the ability to shift your body into the “rest and digest” parasympathetic healing state, making both highly effective in terms of improving digestion, relieving stress, improving sleep quality and overall energy levels.
Chinese herbs can be very helpful for many issues and I advise clients to research each herb carefully and consult their practitioner to make sure it’s suitable. There are various courses available for people interested in studying Chinese herbal medicine ranging from two day introductions up to two year programs leading towards qualification as a medical herbalist – check out National Institute of Medical Herbalists for information about certified practitioners in your region.
Diet
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has long been following diet trends for their healing benefits. TCM emphasizes maintaining balance in terms of Yin and Yang energies, Qi circulation, blood flow and body fluids to support immune health; any fluctuation causes disease or imbalance within the body and eating healthy is key in stabilizing it.
Eating at the appropriate time and amount are two fundamental tenets of Chinese dietary therapy. For instance, it’s ideal to consume your largest meal early in the morning as this allows your stomach and spleen to perform at their optimal performance, breaking down food more efficiently while providing nutrients back into your system.
Another key principle of Chinese diet is avoiding cold and raw foods as these can damage digestive fire, the main source of energy for our intestines and colon. Furthermore, such difficult-to-digest items may create dampness within your body, increasing risk for disease over time.
A balanced Chinese diet includes cooked vegetables, fruit, and grains as a good source of nutrition and energy. Foods that promote yin and yang balance are also important in aiding digestive health; for example if someone experiences yin deficiency they should increase intake of soft moist fruits such as strawberries, avocados, and pears while those experiencing yang deficiency should increase consumption of warm spices like ginger or cinnamon for optimal digestive health.
Consume appropriate protein sources to maintain equilibrium within your body’s energetics. For example, those suffering from yang deficiency could benefit from eating more animal proteins like fish and chicken. Beans offer warming moisture as their anti-inflammatory properties lubricate joints while simultaneously expelling moisture from them; making these delicious snacks great options when suffering from dry cough or skin rash symptoms.
Lifestyle
TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) has been around for more than 5,000 years and uses acupuncture, herbology and holistic healing modalities to treat illness and promote overall wellbeing.
Doing a variety of energy-boosting foods in your diet is a sure way to increase qi and feel healthy and energized. These include nutrient-rich vegetables and herbs used in TCM for centuries.
Goji berries are rich in vitamins A, C and B3, potassium selenium and folate. Goji berries have long been utilized in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to invigorate qi flow and increase energy. Furthermore, their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties may promote cardiovascular wellbeing.
Organ meats such as liver and kidney are packed with essential vitamins that can boost your energy levels. Organ meats have long been part of TCM diet, providing protein, B vitamins and vitamin A. Royal jelly is another powerful food known for cellular health promotion, stress protection and cognitive enhancement. Furthermore, royal jelly boasts healing properties and has the power to nourish one’s jing, or essence.
