Qigong is perhaps not as well-known as some of the other modalities of East Asian Medicine in “the west”. This is a shame, as it is a well-developed and powerful healing system. Qigong is pronounced “Chee Gung”. Here is the definition of Qigong: a set of exercises done to produce a specific effect on the function or energy of the body.
Over its thousands of years of history East Asian Medicine developed into a vast system of healing and nourishing the body and mind. In this way it is akin to how Western Medicine developed various specialties (dermatology, psychiatry, internal medicine, etc.) and modes of treatment (drugs, surgery, talk therapy, etc.) Here are just a few of the branches of East Asian Medicine:
- Acupuncture
- Herbal Medicine
- Tuina (medical massage)
- Dietary Therapy
- Moxibustion (heat therapy)
- Qigong
Do It Yourself Healthcare
What sets qigong apart from most of the other branches of East Asian Medicine is that it is (typically) not done to you – you do it to yourself!
This “do it yourself” characteristic makes qigong uniquely positioned. It is a way to directly participate in transforming our own health.
Supercharge Your Results
Another great aspect of qigong is that it is compatible with virtually any other form of treatment you may be utilizing. It won’t interact with western pharmaceuticals, because it’s not a drug. It complements and supercharges the effects of acupuncture by reinforcing the effects of the needles. It is compatible with chiropractic, massage, herbal medicine, surgery, you name it.
What Can I Do To Heal Faster?
Often my acupuncture patients ask me what they can do to help their healing process. I’m thrilled when I get asked that kind of question because when a patient is willing to take personal responsibility for their health the results really accelerate.
I do my very best to empower people who want to actively participate in their own healthcare. I may suggest and teach a qigong exercise specific to a particular person’s acupuncture diagnosis. If you are a patient of mine, ask me if there is any qigong we can add to your treatment routine. And if you’re not already a patient, what are you waiting for? Give us a call and let’s see how we can work together to get you healthy.