Author: Aung SKH
Affiliation: Departments of Medicine and Family Medicine, Adjunct Professor,
Faculty of Extension University of Alberta Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Conference/Journal: 4th World Conf Acad Exch Med Qigong
Date published: 1998
Other:
Pages: 212 , Word Count: 345
Traditional Chinese medicine encompasses several major therapeutic
modalities, but the therapy that most directly applies not only to patients but also to health care practitioners themselves is Qigong. Qigong has always been part of the basic training of TCM - as a therapy for patients and as a preventive and self care strategy for both patients and physicians. The building blocks of Qigong are breathing, concentration and posture/movement exercises.
Breathing exercises are important because the breath is a major source of Qi (vitalenergy). Focusing on breathing facilitates oneís awareness of and, control over the flow of Qi. The aim is to keep Qi circulating smoothly and harmoniously throughout the body. Such vital energetic equilibrium is the TCM definition of good health.
Concentration exercises are a more disciplined form of breathing in order to gain more precise control of the flow of Qi-Posture/movement exercises are a more dynamic and elaborate expression of breathing and concentration. Spirituality is an important aspect of Qigong, which is why exercises such as the Inner Smile are practiced inconjunction with the offering of blessings to all sentient beings.
Appreciation of nature is important, which is why the Hugging the Tree exercise is so important and serious students are encouraged to take part in. Qigong retreats to wilderness areas to become more aware and, indeed, appreciative of the best of Mother Nature. Qigong contributes to primary care by sharpening practitioner's motorsensory skills, improving their concentration, building their endurance and relieving their stress. It also enhances awareness of vital energy and stimulates a sense of compassion, especially toward the more difficult patients, who come to be regarded as one's best teachers.
Qigong, above all, facilitates the transfer of positive energy from the practitioner to the patient, transforming mere medical technicians into genuine healers. Finally, of course, the patient can be taught to perform certain Qigong exercises, according to the specific pathology.
This creates a partnership - built on mutual respect, understanding and compassion - between the practitioner and the patient, enhancing the healing process for the benefit of all concerned.