Medical Qigong is, in my experience, a wonderful system of healing, that encompasses body, mind and spirit.
It can be a powerful means of addressing stress and enabling well-being, of healing physical and emotional problems, or of finding a happier relationship to life.
The difficulty is that when one part of us is not in balance, it affects the whole. However this is a clue to the approach of this ancient tradition of healing, as Medical Qigong addresses the whole person. It looks for the underlying cause or root of difficulties.
Thus an initial assessment is made looking at all aspects of a person's life, past history, physical symptoms, emotions, skin tone, tongue diagnosis etc to build a comprehensive picture of the person and highlight areas of inbalance or where energy seems to be blocked.
Through a combination of Energy healing, simple Exercises and the use of Acupressure, blocked energy that contributes to disease, pain, health problems and emotional conditions, can be helped to move.
Medical Qigong is one of the four main branches of Traditional Chinese Medicine, the others being Acupuncture, Herbalism and Tui Na massage and has been practiced for at least 2000 years, though references to "dances that guide the breath and ensures that it moves throughout the body", go back to 2000BC.
Chinese Medicine says that when your Qi (energy) is not flowing freely, you become sick, stressed or emotionally out of kilter. Qi means air breath of life or vital energy that flows through all things in the universe and by practicing Qigong, we can cultivate this vital energy in ourselves and find the ability to work with the electro-magnetic energy of the body. This enables the body to strengthen and harmonize the internal organs, the nervous system, the immune system, to regulate hormones and release deep seated emotions and stress.
The 12 meridians or channels in the body are seen in Traditional Chinese Medicine as the body's healing energy pathways. Acupoints are specific places along these channels that can be used to help the energy to flow freely. An Acupuncturist uses needles on these points, in Acupressure, gentle or firm finger pressure is used instead of needles.
So Medical Qi Gong is a mind, body, spirit practice that can deeply relax and improve one's physical and mental health, by integrating movement, breathing techniques, improved energy flow and focused intention.
An initial Medical Qigong session comprises an assessment and at least one hour should be allowed for this. Often just to tell the story of the problems you come with, can be a relief. A subsequent appointment is made for the first "treatment", with follow up sessions as required.
The treatments are usually carried out on a massage table. The client remains fully clothed.Simple exercises are also prescribed to aid the healing. It is always advisable to inform your GP before you come for the first session, particularily if you are receiving treatment from your Doctor or have a specific condition. Medical Qigong is an excellent adjunct to Western Medicine but it is important for all modalities to be working together.
The cost of Medical Qigong sessions is £45 per session.