Qigong Therapy

What is Qigong?

Qigong (pronounced chee-gong) is a means of cultivating vital energies or Qi in order to thereby increase physical prowess, enhanced mental acuity, improve or restore health and achieve greater spiritual awareness. Various forms of Qigong have been practiced for over 2,000 years coming out of ancient China and spreading across Pacific Asian nations. New forms or techniques of Qigong have been developed over the centuries by different practitioners. Qigong can be viewed as a comprehensive system of cultivating vital forces involving the concentration of mind while engaging in certain body movements or postures together with regulated rhythmical breathing. Practitioners often divide Qigong into two types: internal Qigong and external Qigong. Internal Qigong involves engaging various techniques in order to improve the quality, quantity and flow of Qi throughout the body. This can be used for healing, to increase mental acuity or to enhance performance in sporting activities. External Qigong is practiced by those who have obtained a level of mastery in the art and practice of Qigong, and they are therefore able to channel and transmit vital energies in an effort to influence and affect their surroundings. This approach is used by Qigong therapists who channel and direct life forces to treat illnesses. In summary Qigong techniques have three basic functions, heightening spiritual awareness, improving performance in martial arts or other sports related activities and restoring or maintaining the wellbeing of both body and mind.

What are the medical benefits of Qigong?

Just as the blood circulates through the veins and arteries of the body, Qi or vital energy circulates through meridian channels and collaterals which are distributed throughout the body. Adverse health conditions are associated with any obstruction of the channels, a depletion of the vital forces, inadequate flow or even a reversal of the proper direction of the flow of Qi. In the Yin and Yang analysis of disease conditions imbalances or improper flow of energy results in a set of characteristic symptoms which define patterns of illness or disease syndromes. It is by correcting these imbalances that we may then effect healing. Qigong benefits the body and mind by strengthening the vital energies, rebalancing the flow and restoring the proper circulation of Qi and blood throughout the body. Clinical research on the effectiveness of Qigong has been carried out and studies have shown that Qigong may be beneficial in treating the following conditions:

* Cardiovascular Diseases
* Anti-aging
* Emotional Disturbances
* Decline in bone density
* Hypertension
* Senility and dementia
* Impaired immunity
* Sexual dysfunction
* High cholesterol
* Strokes

Energy healing modalities including Qigong, Reiki, Therapeutic Touch and Mindful Meditation have been used in hospitals to treat diseases. Qigong has been particularly effective in treating stress and reducing the intensity of anxiety attacks. Qigong does not require use of medical devices and almost any can begin to practice simple techniques as Qigong can be executed standing, sitting or even lying down. Qigong has also been shown to be very effective at improving the balance and posture of the elderly while reducing their susceptibility to falls. The relative ease at which Qigong can be practiced, the absence of expensive medical devices and the demonstrated potential for health benefits makes Qigong particularly attractive for those seeking preventative and health maintenance programs.

What to Expect from Qigong Therapy?
Qigong therapy can be applied in two ways which are often used in conjunction. First the practitioner can demonstrate and explain simple techniques that the patient will use regularly to help facilitate an enhancement in health status. These exercises usually last from 5 Р 20 minutes and are practiced daily. Secondly, the practitioner may use his or her own Qi to conduct vital healing energies in an effort to help rebalance the patient's energy system and restore health. The second method may be used as a standalone therapy or together with other therapies such as acupuncture and herbal medicine. These Qigong therapy sessions often last 10 Р minutes to an hour. The sessions are conducted with the patient in a relaxed position while the practitioner passes his or her hands over the body and presses or taps acupuncture points an effort to improve circulation of Qi and blood by concentrating energies in areas of deficiency and dispersing energies in regions of stagnation or excess. Acute trauma affecting the joints and bones often takes less time while longstanding chronic conditions usually require longer sessions. Most patients experience some relief shortly after the first session. Sensations that may be experienced during the treatment include tingling, feelings of warmth or coolness, feelings of heaviness or lightness, floating or sinking sensations, visions of flashing lights, aching tenderness and muscle twitching. A course of treatment is generally 5 Р 7 sessions.

References: Kenneth M. Sancier. Multifaceted Benefits of Medical Qigong. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. 2004; 10(1): 163 Р 166. Wang Chongxing, Xu Dinghai, Qian Yuesheng. Medical and health care qigong. Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine. 1991:11(4) 296-301. National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Acupuncture: An Introduction. Bethesda, MD: National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. NCCAM publication no. D404.

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