What is Qi?

Qi, pronounced ‘chee’ is the underlying principle in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). It is the Chinese term for life energy or life spirit, a vital force that flows through all living things. It is the bio-electric energy that flows along channels in the body known as meridians. The meridian channel system connects all aspects of the body into one network of energetic communication.

Qi flows through these channels like water flows through the landscape. In TCM the free and balanced flow of this energy is essential to good health.

The natural flow of this energy can be affected by a range of factors physical, mental and emotional. In TCM if qi becomes blocked or restricted imbalance and ill health can result. TCM therapies access qi through acupuncture points on the body. There are approximately 2,000 of these acupuncture points on the body which are connected through the meridian system.

Acupuncture, acupressure, cupping and moxibustion are some of the TCM therapies used stimulate, manipulate and utilise the flow of this energy. Clearing energy blockages in the body facilitates the body’s own self healing abilities enabling it to return to a natural state of health.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) published an official report listing symptoms, conditions and diseases that have been shown in controlled trials to be effectively treated by acupuncture. These include lower back pain, sciatica, knee pain, acute and chronic gastritis, rheumatoid arthritis, headaches, stroke, allergic rhinitis, and depression to name a few.

By effecting change in the energy flow in the body TCM is addressing the root cause of a condition as opposed to simply treating the symptoms. This can help to facilitate long term healing. TCM is a holistic, natural, drug free way to treat the health of the whole body.

Care Cure are Ireland's leading TCM specialists. All our practitioners are Chinese nationals who have been trained in both western and Chinese medicine. If you are unsure whether TCM is right for you please avail of our free consultation and TCM diagnosis which we offer in all our clinics, Dublin, Dun Laoghaire, Galway, Longford and Sligo.