Medical qigong and integrative primary care for the 21st century

There are many styles and schools of Qigong. The Qigong that I have taught for the past several years in Canada and various countries around the world is medical in scope and both Taoist and Buddhist in orientation. It encompasses breathing, concentration and posture/movement techniques practiced with discipline and diligence, with appreciation of nature and with an attitude of loving kindness and
compassion toward all sentient beings. It is a vitally important preventive and self care therapy, which is physically, mentally and spiritually revitalizing and empowering. It is not only for patients but also for health care practitioners who seek to heal themselves, enhance their quality of life and become genuine healers rather than mere technicians. Qigong, therefore, integrates medical practice, balancing intelligent selfcare with effective health promotion. It will undoubtedly come to assume a central, vital role in international primary care during the 21st century.