Thousands of years old, traditional Chinese medicine continues to evolve. It has even found its place in today’s Western world. Indeed, the wide range of theories and applications it offers to physical and psychological health is becoming increasingly popular. It is based on a very simple principle. A well-balanced system naturally induces perfect harmony, which in turn promotes well-being.

The main emphasis of this concept is on observing and understanding the workings of the universe as a whole, at the most subtle level. As far as human beings are concerned, followers are convinced that the knowledge it encompasses – albeit ancient – can still be used to prevent and cure various ailments. And ancestral energy plays a major role in this process.

Let’s start with a quick recap

Before getting to the heart of the matter, let’s start with a little background. In traditional Chinese medicine, Qi (or chi) refers to the “vital force” that shapes and animates the universe. This energy gives life to all existing matter. When correctly balanced, it has the power to strengthen, energize and heal the body. In Ayurveda, we speak of “prana”, which has some similarities with the concept of vital energy (and the ancestral energy that is part of it).

While prana flows along the nadis in traditional Indian medicine, Qi flows along the body’s meridians in TCM. In Japan, we refer to “ki”, in Greece to “pneuma” and to “ashé” among the Yorubas (a large African ethnic group). For human beings, energy is not only to be found on the surface, but also in these invisible channels that run the length of the body.

Alternative healing practices such as acupuncture and acupressure use these points of flowing ancestral and vital energy to induce healing in a patient. Indeed, it is widely recognized in Eastern culture that it is a blockage in these lines that leads to illness.

THE COMPOSITION OF QI
Qi can be formed from three distinct components:

Air energy (which we take in when we breathe);
Nourishing energy (which we absorb when we eat);
And hereditary energy (which comes from our ancestors).

Once again, we can divide them into two groups.

The first is innate, coming from our parents. And this is what we mean by ancestral energy. If we want to establish an association with Western medicine, we can speak of chromosomes. They carry heredity and form genetic information. Like this energy, they cannot be modified. They simply represent the coded genes that make up our body. Abnormalities in these genes can lead to hereditary diseases.
The second is the so-called “essential” energy. It comes from Heaven and Earth (air + food). You can work at this level to promote your health capital.

Ancestral energy: what exactly is its role?

As important as it is to understand the meaning of this principle in order to better understand traditional Chinese medicine, there is no real equivalent in the Western world to help explain it. Theories differ from one professional to another. Some believe in the efficacy of acupuncture (and therefore also in the importance of the body’s meridians). Others are more perplexed. Which sometimes makes for a complicated definition. However, it might not be incorrect to say that vital energy and ancestral energy make up “body energy”.

So it’s only natural that a deficiency or imbalance in Qi should have a negative impact on our well-being. TCM practitioners believe that to live a healthy, balanced life – free from physical or psychological health problems – Qi must circulate correctly in the body. Indeed, they suggest that diseases and other conditions only appear when there is an imbalance or lack of them. At a lower level, ailments are benign. At a more advanced level, they become serious.

Acupuncture is the obvious solution to this problem. Ancestral energy and vital energy are both involved in this process. But it’s only when protective and nourishing Qi are in short supply that innate Qi comes into play. In fact, it is the last line of defence against external aggression. But the quality of innate Qi is not the same for every individual. For some, it is weaker, which translates into vulnerability to disease. For others, however, it is excellent, which is associated with greater resistance.

So, can ancestral energy be strengthened?

Ancestral energy is unique in that it is known to predate birth. It is formed as soon as the sperm meets the egg. As we age, however, our “stock” – whatever its quality – also diminishes. And there’s nothing we can do about it! We can’t create new ones or reconstitute old ones. Nor, for that matter, can we modify our “genetic baggage”. And yet, ailments caused by a deficiency in ancestral energy tend to be serious. Again, like hereditary diseases.

SO WHAT CAN BE DONE?
If we can’t boost this innate Qi, it’s perfectly possible to compensate for the anomalies already present by simply improving the quality of the essential energy. All it takes is a few simple daily habits.

Exercise regularly. Also consider breathing exercises or practices that focus on this aspect. Yoga in particular is an excellent choice in this respect. It will do wonders for your body, and also for your ancestral energy. As well as boosting oxygen intake, this technique also has the advantage of regulating Qi. The same applies to other methods (such as abdominal breathing), which can be performed just after waking up or before bedtime.
Try tai chi or Qi gong (more on these below). Not only will these gentle exercises help you combat stress, they can also make your body feel lighter.
Use acupuncture or acupressure to unblock Qi when it gets stuck somewhere in the body’s meridians. Ancestral energy will also flow more easily.
Maintain a healthy, nutritious diet. This is crucial for balanced essential energy.
Take care of your psychological health. If you don’t feel serene in your head, your physical health will suffer too.
Get enough sleep. Fatigue is an early sign of Qi deficiency. Promoting restful sleep can therefore be crucial.

By the way, do you know Qi gong?

Qi gong is a popular Chinese practice that dates back thousands of years. Its essence lies in Indian yoga, from which it takes certain key elements. It is also known for releasing ancestral energy and improving essential energy. Its adaptation to Chinese realities has followed three main philosophical currents. These are Taoism, Buddhism and Confucianism. Irrespective of the current taken into account, it is a discipline that exploits the principles of traditional Chinese medicine.
The benefits of Qi gong and acupuncture are therefore not so different. Read on to find out more.

Definition of the concept

Literally, Qi gong means “breath control”. This is what makes it possible to release ancestral energy. More concretely, this discipline enables practitioners to control their breathing through :

Static postures;
Dynamic sequences;
Self-massage;
Slow, gentle and harmonious movements.

The aim is to mobilize and nurture the body’s own energy, thereby strengthening our vitality. The benefits of Qi gong on our human nature are numerous. Among other things, it helps you find inner calm, balance body, breath and mind, and connect with your “inner self”. All this is bound to have a positive effect on ancestral energy.

Although there are many different forms or techniques of Qi gong, they are all based on the same principles (3):

Slow, relaxed body movements;
Breathing techniques synchronized with movement;
Concentration training.

The benefits of Qi gong for the body come from all these elements. Generally speaking, static postures help control vital energy and mobilize ancestral energy. Movements, for their part, work the muscles and joints and strengthen them too. A bit like tai chi.

Qi gong is accessible to all. Indeed, age (let alone physical or psychological condition) does not prevent the practice of its various exercises. In fact, they can be performed before any physical or mental activity. All you need to do is execute the postures correctly, and you’ll reap the many benefits of Qi gong. Fixed postures and movements are beneficial in many ways.

The effects of each posture on ancestral and vital energy

It’s important to know all the postures if you want to enjoy the benefits of Qi gong. There are 20 essential movements, divided into four groups:

General movements;
The “sky” part;
The human part;
and the “earth” part.

Each of these involves specific areas and has distinct effects.

For example, we have the rider’s posture, which enables the practitioner to reinforce leg stability. As he progresses through the exercise, he will be able to mobilize his ancestral and vital energy. But above all, he’ll be able to improve his posture. This helps to alleviate lower-back pain.

The posture of “heaven communicating with earth” is ideal for enjoying the benefits of Qi gong while filling up on energy for the day.

As for the “water and fire harmonize” posture, it effectively combats stress and improves cardiovascular function. By practicing this posture regularly, you can build up your self-confidence.

There are also 6 other static postures that can be beneficial to ancestral and vital energy:

Reclining posture;
Opening the cloud gate;
The green dragon rests on the earth;
Nourishing Dan Tian energy;
Tree pose;
WuJi posture.

These help to circulate energy throughout the body (or in a specific part of it). They can also be combined with other breathing exercises.

The benefits of Qi gong vary according to the postures adopted. To get the most out of them, you need to apply them properly. You can also ask a specialist to accompany you, if necessary.

Benefits for ancestral energy, but above all for health

The virtues of Qi gong have been known to the Chinese for centuries. Today, a number of Western scientific studies confirm that this practice can help prevent and manage a number of health problems. Qi gong is particularly beneficial for the elderly and for combating chronic stress.

THE BENEFITS OF QI GONG FOR THE BRAIN
Practising Qi gong requires us to make a constant effort to remember what we should be doing at all times. This can have an influence on ancestral and vital energy. This is because memory-related faculties are used almost constantly during sessions. A child practising this discipline will therefore perform better at school. Similarly, an elderly person can improve his or her cognitive abilities and prevent memory disorders by practicing this activity. In other words, you can preserve the quality of your “energy stock” for as long as possible.

BETTER STRESS MANAGEMENT
This is a highly effective relaxation activity that is safe for everyone. The movements are supple and relaxed, helping to loosen the muscles. Ancestral energy is more easily released, as nervous tension dissipates. As a result, the practitioner is more likely to return to a state of optimal well-being. The result is greater self-confidence and improved skills in many areas. It’s also an effective way to combat hereditary hypertension and psychological distress.

IMPROVED RESPIRATORY CAPACITY
Breathing control is one of the major pillars of Qi gong. Regular practice will improve your breathing rhythm. The intensity of the exercises can therefore be adjusted according to the quality of your ancestral energy, but also according to the sensations you experience.

It’s up to you…

Have you ever practised Qi gong? How did it benefit you?