Wait, Medical… What?
Medical Qigong Therapy originates from some of the oldest recorded healing traditions of China. Today, it is recognized as one of the main branches of Traditional Chinese Medicine. As a treatment modality, it provides a whole-person framework for achieving wellness. The practitioner identifies areas of disrupted energy flow within the body and works to restore balance. This approach addresses root causes rather than just treating symptoms.
Disrupted Energy?
Energetic disruption occurs as we move through life, encountering physical, environmental, mental, emotional, or spiritual stressors that we don’t fully resolve. This concept aligns with modern somatic psychotherapy for trauma, which is based on clinical and research evidence that our bodies store “memories” just as much as our brains—if not more.
When emotions and thoughts get stuck in our bodies (think muscle tension due to stress, postural changes associated with emotions, and other natural body responses that protect us from environmental or emotional danger), they create disruption in the natural energy flow. This stagnation acts like a dam in a river—areas upstream receive too much energy, while areas downstream don’t receive enough. This leads to an imbalance of “excess” and “deficiency.”
When the tissues of the body receive too much or too little energy, imbalance occurs, and disease can form. Medical Qigong techniques work to break up these disruptions, restoring natural energy flow and allowing the body to regain balance. When energy is properly supplied to tissues, the body’s innate ability to repair and heal itself is reactivated.
OK, But How Does This Work?
When receiving Medical Qigong Therapy, a practitioner performs special techniques to gather and transmit energy (qi, pronounced “chi” or life force energy) into the client. This process, called qi projection, can:
- Purge turbid, unwanted qi
- Tonify by increasing fresh, clean qi
- Regulate qi to ensure balance and proper flow
Typically, this is done with the client, fully clothed, either lying on a massage table or sitting in a chair. However, it can also be performed remotely via video call. Clients often describe the experience as deeply relaxing, leaving them feeling refreshed and with a profound sense of calm.
Medical Qigong Exercises: Continuing the Healing Process
To maintain healing between treatments, the practitioner provides personalized Medical Qigong exercises. These exercises, tailored to the client’s unique challenges and root causes, incorporate posture, movement, breathwork, and focused intention to move qi throughout the body.
Posture & Gentle Movement:
- Soothes the ligaments and tendons
- Warms the muscles
- Stimulates blood and lymph circulation
Breathwork:
- Activates the parasympathetic nervous system (rest, digest, and heal mode)
- Stimulates relaxation in the mind and body
- Increases oxygen flow to tissues
Focused Intention:
- Quiets the mind
- Improves mental focus
- Enhances mental clarity
If you’re interested in learning more about how Medical Qigong Therapy could benefit you, schedule a free 15-minute consultation with Kari!
