Introducing Qigong into a Hospital Environment: Exploring the Methodology and Techniques Used at Rahway Hospital Over a Period of Three Years

PURPOSE: Sharing the successful experiences of East West Qigong Way, utilizing 'Tapestry Qigong' to promote and foster general acceptance and recognition of Qigong as a practical and effective complementary treatment method in hospitals.

METHODS: Since Qigong is a relatively unknown entity in mainstream medicine we must introduce it by its component parts, utilizing terminology that is recognized and accepted within the healthcare field.
Using the modern descriptive model of Qigong in its component parts: Management of Breath, Mind and Body Movement, built on the foundation of Deep Relaxation we can correlate them to currently accepted Western terms of: Relaxation Response, Relaxation Techniques, Meditation, Breath Work, Visualization, Guided Imagery, Low Intensity Exercise, Self-Applied Massage, etc.

RESULTS: Utilizing this approach the author has successfully introduced Qigong, both in its component parts as well as in its classic practice into Rahway Hospital, Rahway, NJ, to include:
* Teaching Stress Management classes for staff members which evolved into ongoing Qigong classes for staff and community members.
* Guest Lecturer for Stress Management, Qigong and Self-Healing, presenting to physicians, dentists and nurses, Diabetic Self-Management program and Stroke group.
* Teaching cancer patients deep relaxation and coping techniques.
* Appointed as Guest Member Rahway Hospital's Pain Management Committee participating in creation of pain management policies and standards for accreditation.
* Appointed Guest Member Rahway Hospital's Pain Management Support Team, participating in weekly Pain Team rounds for patients.

CONCLUSION: We must be innovative in utilizing those component parts of Qigong that fit the needs of healthcare facilities. By the acceptance of these components into the mainstream they demonstrate their efficacy as a complementary integrative treatment methodology.