About Medical Qigong
According to the International Medical Qigong College, “Medical Qigong is an ancient form of Chinese energetic medicine, and is one of the four main branches of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), along with acupuncture, herbal medicine, and medical massage. As with the other branches of TCM, healing occurs through balancing Qi, or electromagnetic energy that surrounds and pervades all living creatures.”
Modern living causes disruptions in Qi, often through poor diets, stress-inducing work, living a sedentary life, sustaining injuries, suppressing our emotions, and through the simple act of aging.
Qigong is a practice that addresses the root cause of disruption and treats it—as opposed to focusing on resulting symptoms. This empowers individuals to transform their Qi and restore their physical, mental, and spiritual health.
Once disruptions, imbalances, or blockages are purged and the body is brought back into balance, it provides an environment where the human body can build strength and regulate its own organs, hormones, nervous system, and immune system. The body is able to release long-held emotions and pent-up stress for a healthier, mindful, and more balanced life.
Medical Qigong is a complete system of health care developed centuries ago to treat individuals as a whole, restoring function to the body through:
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Physical movements
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Breathing methods
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Mental intention
When practiced in conjunction with Western medicine, individuals may be successfully treated with Medical Qigong for conditions that seem resistant to Western medicine alone.
Ailments Treated with Medical Qigong
In China, and more recently in the United States, doctors have applied Qigong in hospitals and clinics to treat individuals who suffer from a variety of illnesses and conditions.
Dr. Greg Sperber, a doctor of acupuncture and oriental medicine explains that “everything is based on Qi. Blockages of Qi, deficiencies of Qi, [and] too much Qi are what cause illness. What we do with acupuncture, herbs, and all of Chinese medicine is we try to line up Qi.”
Conditions treated with Medical Qigong include:
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Asthma/bronchitis
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Chronic fatigue/pain
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Digestive disorders
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Emotional challenges (anxiety, depression, etc.)
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Exhaustion/stress
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Female/menopausal issues
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Gallstones
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Headaches
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Heart conditions/disease
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Insomnia
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Prostate issues
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Recovery from surgery
Many health care professionals recommend Qigong as an important, and highly effective alternative medicine.
Origins of Qigong
Archeological evidence of Qigong dates back as far as 7,000 years to neolithic vessels that depict priests meditating and exercising. These meditations and exercises evolved and formalized into beliefs that were ultimately integrated into Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). As a formal practice of breath alignment, exercises, awareness, healing, and martial arts, Qigong dates back 4,000 years to ancient China.
The Deeper Science of Qigong
Qigong is a term that describes a diverse tradition of spiritual, martial, and health exercises originating from China. In the earliest texts, it was described as breath exercise or exercise postures. It often centers on the idea that individuals have a responsibility for self cultivation and personal development—with the primary goal to activate and increase the circulation of Qi throughout the body. Qi (pronounced chee) connects and pervades everything and everyone.
The ancient Chinese believed that Qi influences all transformation, from birth to aging, and even death. Qi isn’t limited to humans. It connects and transforms all living things, including:
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Plants
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Water
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Weather
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Animals
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Insects
All living things are transformed under the influence of Qi—which means all things in the universe are intrinsically connected.
According to Dr. Jill Blakeway, a doctor of acupuncture and Chinese Medicine, “Chinese philosophy calls this vital energy Qi and describes it as the body’s innate intelligence—the intangible yet measurable way we maintain what’s known as homeostasis, or the body’s ability to regulate its internal environment to create good health.”
Dr. Jerry Alan Johnson Ph.D, D.C.M, D.M.Q writes eloquently about Qi in his book, Chinese Medical Qigong Therapy: Vol. 1 Energetic Anatomy and Physiology. He explains, “Qi is stored within the body in the form of energetic pools, creating the energetic matrix of the internal organs. From these internal pools, the body's life-force energy flows in the form of rivers and streams. These energetic rivers and streams form the body's vessels, channels, and collateral systems.”
Blockages disrupt this flow of Qi, which affect specific bodily functions and cause illness. This understanding is what helped ancient Qigong masters develop the theories upon which TCM was founded, and techniques developed to balance Qi.
In an article titled, Understanding the Concept of Qi, Dr. Johnson states, “While the concept of Qi in Chinese Energetic Medicine may seem complicated, it is actually quite simple. Matter progresses to energy, and energy progresses to spirit, and vice-versa. Qi is considered the medium, or bridge, between matter and spirit.”
Serious, and minor illnesses have been treated and cured with Medical Qigong for thousands of years now.
At Blue Petal Foundation, we’re bringing that knowledge to you. Through treatments, training, and practice, you can understand the flow of Qi. You can become empowered with knowledge to help you purge negative energy, improve your overall health, and live a more balanced life.
If you'd like to join in the Qigong movement, click here to become a member of Blue Petal Foundation and gain access to exclusive training, resources, and discounts on standard services.