What’s the Status of Your Qi?

How Acupuncture Gets Your Hips-and Life-Moving Again

By Maria Chah, DOM, AP & Jennifer Troyan

Ever feel like your energy is off and your body just isn’t moving the way it used to? Maybe your hips are stiff, sore, or downright cranky. If so, the question to ask yourself is: “What’s the status of my Qi?”

Because when Qi, your vital energy, (pronounced “chee”) is stuck, weak, or out of balance, your body will definitely let you know -especially in the form of aches and pains like hip osteoarthritis (OA). When your Qi is flowing smoothly, you feel healthy and strong.

Here’s the great news:

Acupuncture is one of the best ways to help your Qi flow freely again.

Let’s Talk Hips and Qi

Hip osteoarthritis is one of the most common reasons people come into a TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) clinic. It usually shows up between the ages of 50 and 70, but sometimes earlier - especially if your joints have had a rough ride.

Here’s how it feels:

  • Aching in the hip or groin
  • Pain that can spread to the lower back
  • Worse with activity, better with rest or..
  • Better with activity, worse with rest

In Western medicine, it’s chalked up to wear and tear. In TCM, we dig deeper - into the status of your Qi, blood, and organ systems.

So... What Is the Status of Your Qi?

When someone walks in with hip pain, here’s what is seen from a TCM lens:

🌀 Qi and blood stagnation - Energy and circulation are stuck, often leading to pain and stiffness.
💧 Kidney and Liver deficiency - These organs play a key role in nourishing bones and tendons.
🌧️ Damp heat or cold - Weather patterns don’t just affect the forecast - they affect your joints too!

All of these imbalances can block the smooth flow of Qi, especially in the Gallbladder and Liver meridians that run right through the hip area.

How Acupuncture Helps

Acupuncture is a safe and natural way to help your body heal. Tiny needles are placed in specific points to:

✅ Get your Qi moving and improve circulation
✅ Relieve stiffness and sluggishness
✅ Reduce all types of inflammatory pain
✅ Support life force in your organs and joints

For hip arthritis, your acupuncturist might focus on:

  • Points near the hip to relieve pain
  • Points on the legs and arms to move energy and blood
  • Warmth (like moxa) to help with cold and damp in the joints
    • Moxa (short for moxibustion) is a traditional Chinese medicine therapy that uses burning mugwort (a dried herb) to warm the body, improve circulation, and boost the flow of energy (Qi).

After just a few sessions, many people feel better: have less pain, increased movement, and more energy.

What Does a Treatment Plan Look Like?

Everyone is different, but here’s a common plan:

  • 2 sessions per week for 2 -3 weeks
  • Then once a week for a few more weeks
  • Most people notice a difference within 3-6 sessions
  • Chronic issues usually average 10-12 sessions

How Do You Know If Your Qi is Off?

Here are some signs your Qi might need a boost:

  • You feel tired, even after rest
  • Your hips or joints hurt often
  • Cold or damp weather makes things worse
  • You feel “stuck” physically or emotionally
  • You can’t warm up even when covered or keep cool even in a cool environment

If that sounds like you, acupuncture can help bring your Qi - and your body - back into balance.

 

Don’t Just Treat - Transform

Acupuncture doesn’t just manage symptoms; it helps address why your body is hurting and works with its natural rhythms to support long-term healing. When combined with herbal medicine and gentle movement, the benefits go even deeper. More on herbs in a future post!

So if your hips are holding you back, come in and let us help you get moving again - pain-free, energized, and feeling your best.

 

Your Qi is your life force. When it moves, you move.

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Good health to you all!

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Information in this article and on this website is intended for informational or educational purposes only. This information does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have questions about a medical condition, always seek the advice of a doctor or other qualified health professional.

To learn more about our services, please contact our office at 561-249-0447 for a consultation on how to start your annual wellness optimization. During the consultation, we can provide guidance on the best treatment modalities to improve or enhance your state of wellness the TCM way.

Your health team: Chah Acutherapy - We are here for you.