What is Medical Qigong?

Medical Qigong is an alternative healing technique that addresses an imbalance or restriction in one’s Qi. Like Acupuncture, Medical Qigong moves this bioelectric energy so that it travels more freely along specific pathways (acupuncture meridians). One could think of this system as a form of intrabody communication. When the static is cleared from the pathways, the body rebalances and reconfigures its physical functional aspects – modifying muscular movements, hormonal communication, brain firing patterns, immune regulating triggers, etc.

Difference from Acupuncture

Whereas Acupuncture utilizes needles to activate changes in the meridian system’s flow and clarity, Medical Qigong utilizes the focused attention of a practitioner, most often with their hands placed near – but not on – the body. With a knowledge of the meridian flow, direction, and how a health issue may relate to a meridian imbalance, correction of these imbalances set the stage for the body to begin and accelerate a repair or recovery.

Medical Qigong Origins

Medical Qigong has its roots in Traditional Chinese Medicine, and has been practiced for over 4000 years. It could be thought of as the “cultivation of life energy.” As a technique to modify the flow and health of the meridians and thus the robustness of the body’s health response, this technique has developed hand in hand with more traditional medical arts such as acupuncture and medicinal herbs.

Personal Experience

John began his study with the Qigong Master, Mantak Chia, and more recently has refined his skills with David Coon, a Medical Qigong Master. In a workshop with Mantak Chia, the Master would direct Qi towards participants individually. When it was John’s turn, the teacher directed Qi from 100 feet away, and John felt a distinct pressure in his neck. As Mantak Chia continued, John felt the sensation of needle pricks in the neck, and as an acupuncturist, John recognized the signs of a meridian constriction. An x-ray, in fact, revealed bone spurs in the neck. After subsequent treatments, the bone spurs ceased to be problematic.