Qi the Currency of the Body

Hello and welcome to my podcast series, Menopause Balance. This is where I get to explore how classical East Asian medicine views and treats the human body. These episodes cover specific symptoms, theoretical frameworks, and foundational classical East Asian medicine concepts to help you better understand your health and your well being. Disclamer It is important however, for you to understand that the information covered in these podcasts is not to be taken or used for diagnostic purposes. It is for general information only and as a general guide. If these podcasts raise health issue that are of concern to you, then you need to have a full and proper consult with your appropriate health care professional. I am you host, Dr Ian and I am a Doctor of CM with degrees in Human Biology and CM as well as a postgraduate Diploma in Classical East Asian Medicine. I have been treating people in Regional Australia with East Asian Medicine for over 20 years, and I have helped them to see their symptoms in a new way, through the lens that is CEAM, with its; warm, rich, insightful, functional and practical ways, with its use of life style, diet combined with herbal medicine, and acupuncture, so as to ‘Reach the Balance within.’ I assume that if you have found me here, then you are someone who is looking for answers to your health issues that make sense. That gives you an understanding, a clarity, and allows you to have control of your health problems and provides practical solutions that can make you you own health champion. I also understand that you are someone who is looking for some Ancient Wisdom to give an understanding of your modern health issues and that can show how to Reach the Balance within. CEAM can provide that different lens with which to see the issues of; Women’s Health, Menopause, Dietary Issues, Stress, sleep issues, seasonal awareness, Mens Health, or pain management. Through this lens you can achieve the Balance Within. So, please come join with me now as we journey through the ancient wisdom that is Classical East Asian Medicine and discover how it can have a positive impact on your modern life and bring your health back to Balance. Lets explore that Ancient Wisdom and Reach the Balance Within together! So lets jump in. Hi and welcome to Menopause Balance Podcast. I’m Dr Ian, and today we’re talking about something I’ve been using more and more in clinic—something my patients really seem to connect with. And that’s the idea that **Qi is like money.** In Classical East Asian Medicine, we talk a lot about Qi—how it flows, where it gets stuck, when there’s not enough of it, or when it’s not anchored. But what if we thought about it as a currency? Something we earn, spend, save… and sometimes overspend. This metaphor has helped so many women understand what’s really happening in their bodies—especially during transitions like menopause. So today, I’d love to unpack that idea with you, and explore how you can **spend, save, and invest your Qi** to support your long-term health. Part 1: Understanding Qi as Currency Qi is your body’s energy—but more than that, it’s **function, vitality, animation**. It’s what allows your digestion to work, your heart to beat, your mind to think, your spirit to feel joy. Every single thing you do requires Qi. So let’s say Qi is your money. Every day you wake up with a certain balance. And throughout the day, everything you do either **costs you** Qi, or **replenishes it**. The goal is balance. To make sure you’re not spending more than you’re earning—and to build up some reserves for when life gets stressful or unpredictable. Part 2: Where Your Qi Comes From – Your Income In CEAM, Qi is created through: - **Food and digestion**—what you eat and how well you digest it. - **Breath**—yes, deep, full breaths actually help build Qi. - **Sleep and rest**—your body restores Qi while you sleep. - **Joy, calm, and connection**—not just fluff! Emotional harmony feeds the spirit. - And of course, **acupuncture and herbs**—which help regulate and support your internal economy. This is your income stream. Part 3: Where Your Qi Goes – Your Expenses Now, here’s where Qi gets spent: - **Working, thinking, planning**—mental activity is expensive! - **Physical movement**—even exercise costs energy. If you're already depleted, too much can tip you over. - **Digesting food**—especially heavy, cold, or raw food. - **Emotions and stress**—anger, worry, anxiety… all very costly. - And **screen time**—yep, it might seem passive, but it drains Qi through your eyes and mind. Part 4: Qi Debt – When You Overspend If you keep spending without earning, your body starts borrowing—from reserves you don’t want to touch. These are like your emergency savings: Jing, your constitutional essence. And when you borrow too much, that’s when symptoms show up: - Exhaustion that sleep doesn’t fix - Hot flushes or night sweats from unanchored Yang - Mood swings, irritability, or anxiety - Poor digestion or slow healing Menopause is one of those times where **Qi needs to be managed wisely**. Yin may not be able to hold down Yang, and if you're already in Qi debt, the symptoms get louder. Part 5: Investing in Your Qi Just like a good financial planner, CEAM asks: what are you doing to invest in your future? - Stillness. Quiet. Meditation. - Gentle, flowing movement—Tai Chi, Qi Gong. - Warm, seasonal food that doesn’t stress your digestion. - Connection. Rest. Nature. - And acupuncture or herbs when you need extra support. It’s not about doing more—it’s about doing what builds you up. Closing Reflection So let me ask you: - Are you overspending your Qi? - Where could you earn more? - What would it look like to invest in your own well-being today? You don’t need to overhaul everything. Just notice. Start small. Build awareness, and the rest follows. Thanks so much for joining me today. If you’d like to go deeper, you can download the free **“Qi is Money” guide** from my website [insert link here], or join our community for more resources like this. Until next time, take care—and take care of your Qi.