All of Chinese medicine’s most influential writers spoke of the importance of maintaining health through daily exercise. These were exercises built upon the Chinese medical theory of balance; of harmonizing what was called the blood (cardiovascular system), the Qi (respiratory system – a main source of Qi for the body), and the spirit (an aspect of which is the nervous system). With an equal emphasis placed on exercising the blood, Qi, and spirit within the context of the Chinese medical view of the body-mind connection. China’s health benefiting exercises were used to both prevent illness when healthy, and to recover more quickly when ill. Today when we think of exercise we think of activities that are quite vigorous in nature such as running, aerobics, biking, and martial arts. These forms of exercise use up existing amounts of Qi, blood, and fluids in the body; the more intense the activity the greater the quantity used. This is not a bad thing and in more ancient times the physical work of the day was similar in nature though generally of less intensity. It is necessary to balance these vigorous activities with actions that replenish the Qi, blood, and fluids otherwise the body is always struggling to return to balance and hence can be weakened and susceptible to injury and illness. Replenishing actions include appropriate food intake and activities like Qi Gong, Yoga, Tai Chi, meditation, rest, and sleep which allow the body to recuperate. Daily movement of the body whether in vigorous or gentle forms of exercise, assists the movement of Qi and blood, keeping everything flowing, which aids the digestion of food, the elimination of waste, and the maintenance of strength. All of these are essential to health and balance. Qi Gong, yoga, pilates, and Tai Chi done in a gentle form and with focused movement of the body and presence of mind both build and flow the Qi, blood, and fluids.
