Chapter Extract

Vital scores in video games & Vital energy -Qi in Feng Shui, Taoism

Well, it might seem irrelevant, but comparing vital scores in video games and vital energy (Qi) as in Feng Shui and Taoism can provide us a playful and comprehensive understanding of vital energy (Qi)'s mechanism.

The concept of "vital scores" in video games and "vital energy" (Qi) in Feng Shui and Taoism both serve as essential indicators of a character's or individual's health, vitality, and overall well-being. It builds the parallel with the question in the beginning of this book concerning why some people seem more alive than others, or why some people appear to be more alive at different time in their lives. While they exist in vastly different contexts, but the essence has a lot in common. There are intriguing parallels and contrasts between the two with many similarities. Both suppose there are degrees of aliveness, levels of vitality.

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Definition

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Vital scores in video games, often referred to as health points (HP), stamina, or mana, represent a character's capacity to endure damage, perform actions, and utilize abilities. The degree of aliveness is oftentimes rechargeable, in most games, there’s also the function of resuscitation. These scores are crucial for gameplay mechanics. They determine a character's survivability, the ability to perform special moves or spells, and overall game progress. Players must manage and replenish these scores to succeed in the game.

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In vital energy (Qi) in Feng Shui and Taoism, Qi is the life force or vital energy that flows through all living beings and the environment. In Daoism, when it is outside the body, it is referred to as Dao. ?It sustains life and promotes health, balance, and harmony. In Taoism and Feng Shui, the cultivation and balance of Qi are essential for physical health, mental clarity, and spiritual growth. Practices aim to enhance the flow of Qi to improve well-being and achieve harmony with the natural world.

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Measurement and indicators

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In both video games and vital energy in Feng Shui and Taoism, there are certain measurement and indicators.

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In video games, they use vital scores or health Points (HP) to indicate the amount of damage a character can take before being defeated. It is represented numerically and visually, for example, health bars.

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In some games, it is about stamina or energy. It determines the character's ability to perform physical actions like running, jumping, or fighting. Usually, it depletes with use and regenerates over time.

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Or it is mana or magic points, which represents the ability to cast spells or use special abilities. It depletes with use and can be replenished through various in-game mechanisms.

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In Feng Shui and Taoism, it is measured by balance and flow. For example, a healer would put their hand on your pulse to see how much you are still alive or not. Qi is not measured numerically but is assessed qualitatively based on its balance and flow. Practitioners observe symptoms of imbalance such as physical illness, strong or weak flow of Qi, emotional distress, or environmental disharmony. Some can even predict how long the person can still stay alive, etc.

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It is measured with meridians and points. In traditional Chinese medicine, the flow of Qi through meridians (energy channels) and specific points (acupuncture points) is crucial. Blockages or excesses are diagnosed and treated to restore balance.

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There is also, of course, Yin and Yang. The balance between Yin (passive, cool, and nurturing energy) and Yang (active, warm, and stimulating energy) is key. Harmony between these forces indicates healthy Qi.

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Restoration & Enhancement

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In both video games and Feng Shui vital energy, there’s restoration and enhancement.

In video game vital scores, there are healing items, consumables like health potions, food, or medical kits to restore HP. Or to use rest and recovery, resting in safe zones, sleeping, or using specific in-game mechanics to regenerate stamina and mana.

In videos games, characters can level up their vital scores by gaining experience points (XP) to increase maximum HP, stamina, and mana, enhancing overall vitality and abilities.

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Qi in Feng Shui and Taoism can also be repaired or levelled up. By using diet and herbs, consuming balanced diets and medicinal herbs to nourish and enhance Qi. Or use meditation and breathing exercises. Practices like meditation, Tai Chi, and Qi Gong can all help cultivate and circulate Qi within the body.

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If we don’t make those practices ourselves, acupuncture and acupressure and many other techniques are available to remove blockages and balance the flow of Qi through meridians.

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We can also adjust our environment, using Feng Shui principles to arrange living spaces to optimize the flow of Qi, enhancing health and well-being.

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Impact of Depletion or Imbalance

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In video game vital scores, energy depletion has its consequences. Running out of HP typically results in the character's defeat or death, requiring a restart or resuscitation. Low stamina can limit movement and actions, making the character vulnerable.

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In order to recover, players must find ways to restore vital scores to continue progressing. Inability to manage these scores can lead to failure in achieving game objectives. In real life, people can juggle on food, exercises, etc. They can also get help from health care people, random useful health information on the internet, etc.?

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An imbalance of Qi can lead to physical ailments, emotional issues, and environmental disharmony. Chronic issues can degrade overall quality of life and spiritual well-being. So, it is important to have a balance of vital energies, keep the Yin Yang scale as how you feel like the best in your own skin.

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Qi’s balance is like personal hygiene, we can’t take a bath and stay clean for the rest of our lives. In order to stay in good Qi balance and health, we need to constantly follow the Yin Yang changes of energy. Continuous effort is required to maintain and restore balanced Qi through lifestyle choices, environmental adjustments, and spiritual practices.

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Vital scores are specific to virtual environments and gaming mechanics, while Qi is a real-world concept embedded in cultural, medical, and philosophical traditions. Vital scores are quantifiable and visually represented in games. In contrast, Qi is assessed through subjective observation and holistic diagnosis. Game mechanics offer immediate and often simple methods for restoring vital scores, while balancing Qi involves comprehensive lifestyle and environmental practices. Both highlight the universal importance of vitality and well-being, whether in a digital game world or in the holistic practices of life.

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Well, I hope everyone would be so interested in their own well-being and health as if it’s their favorite game character or the hobby that has their utmost attention and passion. I believe it depends on your own character whether you check it with your inner feelings and sensations, or for those who like to make lists, they can also make lists about their own level of “vital scores” and juggle them, etc. Everyone probably also knows or is growing their knowledge on how to replenish their own “vital scores” with the accumulation of life experiences.

Happy Summer!

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