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By Terry Willard ClH, PhD

Winter is often seen as a time of hibernation and stillness, where the cold and frosty weather can make us want to retreat indoors and cozy up by the fire. However, there’s more to this season than just staying warm – it’s also the perfect opportunity to tend to our internal fire, our vital hearth that produces Qi.

You may be wondering, what exactly is Qi? Well, according to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Qi is our life force– the energy that flows through our bodies and drives all our bodily functions. Like how a fire fuels and sustains itself, Qi is essential in keeping us healthy and functioning at our best.

But where does this internal fire come from? Modern research in TCM believes that our mitochondria, the powerhouse of our cells, play a crucial role in fine-tuning Qi for humans. Qi is a universal energy that most likely comes from the quantum realm. These tiny organelles are responsible for converting nutrients into energy, and this energy is then used to power all our bodily functions. Let consider it a quantum translator that blends the universal energy and the right nutrients to power us. It fuels our internal hearth.

While we may not feel the direct impact of our mitochondria’s role in producing Qi, those organelles’ health and functioning can have a significant impact on our overall wellbeing. Research has shown that mitochondrial dysfunction is linked to a variety of chronic diseases, including cancer and Alzheimer’s.

In the cold winter months, when we often stay indoors and reduce physical activity, it’s crucial to take care of our mitochondria. Regular exercise, a healthy diet rich in antioxidants, oils, and botanicals, as well as getting enough rest are all ways to support our internal powerhouse and ensure it’s functioning at its best.

So, while winter may seem like a time to hibernate (and it is) even if you are taking a break from your healthy habits, it’s essential to remember that nurturing our internal fire is crucial for our overall health. Let’s use this season as an opportunity to kindle our vital hearth within and keep our mitochondria happy and healthy. Who knows, it may just help us in the fight against chronic diseases like cancer and Alzheimer’s, and even the ongoing battle with long Covid. Stay warm, stay active, and keep your internal fire burning bright. 

Since our energy is made is in the mitochondria, lets dive deeper into the world of mitochondria, which are often referred to as the powerhouses of the cell. These tiny organelles not only play a crucial role in energy production but also have an intricate relationship with our overall survival. Acting as the generators of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), mitochondria are the energy providers for all of our cells. However, their responsibilities do not end there: mitochondria also perform important tasks such as cell signaling and programmed cell death, or apoptosis. Interestingly enough, they even communicate through electrons and light, blurring the boundaries between biology and quantum physics. As we continue to uncover more about these fascinating organelles, we begin to unravel the mysteries of life and energy in our bodies. 

So how does this all relate to the concept of Qi? Some may argue that mitochondria are the source of our vital energy, or Qi, as they convert food into usable energy for our cells. I feel it is just a translator of this universal energy. “May the force be with you Luke.” 

In Eastern medicine and philosophy, Qi is believed to be an essential life force that flows through all living things. Perhaps, in a sense, mitochondria could be considered the physical manifestation of Qi within our cells. This further emphasizes the importance of taking care of our mitochondria and ensuring their proper functioning for optimal health and vitality. 

Mitochondria also have their own DNA, known as mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). This circular DNA is inherited solely from the mother and is responsible for coding proteins essential for mitochondrial function. Mitochondrial DNA mutations have been linked to various diseases, including certain types of cancer and neurological disorders.

Mitochondria play a crucial role in cellular energy production and their structure is adapted to efficiently carry out this function. These organelles are constantly changing and working together, allowing us to perform daily activities such as breathing, thinking, and moving. So, let’s take a moment to appreciate and thank our mitochondria for all their hard work! They truly deserve it. Therefore, next time you feel fatigued after a workout or an all-nighter, remember that your mitochondria are working tirelessly to keep you going. We owe them more credit than we often give.

Mitochondria were once independent bacteria-like organisms that were engulfed by larger cells through a process called endosymbiosis. This explains why they have their own DNA and can reproduce independently within the cell.

What is Mitochondrial Dysfunction or Mitochondrial Disease?

Mitochondrial dysfunction is not a disease that has been extensively researched, but it can lead to chronic fatigue and other health problems. It is a term used to refer to any abnormality or impairment in the mitochondria. It can be caused by many things, but most common ones are:

• Genetic mutation
• Oxidative stress
• Over-consumption of processed foods
• Exposure to heavy metals
• Lack of vitamins/minerals
• Several pharmaceuticals

Mitochondrial dysfunction is becoming increasingly recognized as a key contributor to several common chronic health problems, including:

• Heart disease
• Multiple sclerosis 
• Diabetes 
• Cancer 
• Several neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease
• Chronic fatigue
• Long Covid

The good news is that many of these issues can be solved by lifestyle changes including simple dietary and supplement routines to enhance mitochondrial function and numbers.

What are the Symptoms of Mitochondria Dysfunction? 

The symptoms can be very mild or very severe depending on the nature and severity of mitochondrial dysfunction in an individual patient. 

These symptoms can include: 

• Fatigue 
• Muscle cramps & weakness 
• Light-headedness 
• Heartburn 
• Anxiety 
• Ataxia (abnormal, uncoordinated movement)
• Impaired vision & hearing 
• Brain fog 
• Seizures 
• Digestive issues 
• Exercise intolerance

When these symptoms are present, it’s highly recommended that the person experiencing these symptoms immediately see a health care practitioner who understands mitochondria dysfunction while concurrently seeing a general practitioner or doctor to rule out any other conditions.

There is much more detail about mitochondria in a blog I did June 2022. It can be found at 

Mitochondria Part 1

and

Part 2: Mitochondria Dysfunction (MD)

In this blog we learned that the Mitochondria is a Qi Translator from the Quantum Realm. 

In our next blog we will learn what effect this will have on our energy. We will continue from there to outline ways to improve your energy and enliven your outlook on life.