All the feelings

How is everyone doing in this unique moment in time? 
Loaded question, I know.
 
The feeling of being underwater is somewhat of a match for me as a response; things are muted and distorted, but still present.  It also fluctuates wildly depending on the day.  Water as a metaphor for emotions is certainly not new, but due the coronacoaster we are all on, discussion of emotions during treatments has taken on additional depth and breadth, which I love.

Most of you are familiar with the concept of Qi, or life force, but you might not know that there are different types and levels of Qi circulating within our body.   Yup. Below I discuss defensive Qi, nutritive Qi and source Qi.  Emotions inherently impact our body, but determining which level of Qi is most affected helps me to frame the treatment to make it the most restorative.   
 
Chinese medicine is equal parts science, philosophy and art. I thought you might find these descriptions of Qi relevant as we continue to feel all the feelings, grapple with existential crises and process the collective trauma that is 2020.    
 
Wei Qi = defensive Qi. 
Wei Qi circulates on the exterior of the body with the function and goal of protecting us from external pathogens, for example, from catching a cold.  We want this to remain strong at all times, similar theoretically to the concept of a strong immune system.  However,  when the focus, energy and emotions surrounding defense has been raised to a level of  hypervigilance, our nervous system is continuously in sympathetic, or fight or flight mode.  Being CONSTANTLY on high alert (a metaphorical tiger around every corner),  is stressful and depleting over time.     
Treatment goals focus on calming the nervous system and switching into parasympathetic mode where healing, rest and digestion happen.     
 
Ying Qi = nutritive Qi. 
When I insert an acupuncture needle, this is the Qi I am most often looking to activate.  Ying Qi nourishes the internal organs and the whole body, flows in the meridians and is closely linked to the blood.   This Qi is what we summon and move to help restore emotional and physical balance.  
 A range of emotions, normal fluctuations and expressions of stress, frustration, sadness, worry, fear, anger and grief are supported here.  Treatments also deal with the disruptions those emotions can have on digestion, sleep, pain and energy levels. 
 
Yuan Qi = source Qi, original Qi
Yuan Qi is our essence, the basis of our constitution, our DNA if you will, in the form of Qi.  It originates between the kidneys and is the foundation of all yin and yang energies of the body.  A big deal.   Treatments seek to reconnect you to this vital energy when your spirit has been disconnected from it.  Some examples are when you feel without purpose and meaning, questioning where and what path to follow, struggling to understand what has become of your life and how to move through various life phases.  This is not casual ennui, but instead reserved for big, bracing questions and decisions of life.  

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You might have recognized aspects of  yourself in some of these descriptions.  I certainly have been weaving through the levels since March.  I am in this with you and there are no set answers, (Voting is a start) but allowing emotions to flow through you, rather than getting stuck does seem to help.   Think exercise, meditation, dancing, sleep, sex, humor, crying and yes acupuncture.   

Part of this theory was presented in a virtual lecture I attended by Yvonne Farrell discussing COVID trauma and acupuncture.  I also found the On Being podcast with Pauline Boss discussing ambiguous loss to be spot on for these times.