QiGong Therapies

In TCM, Qi Gong may be practiced routinely by the physician without specifying to the patient, or it may be used as a primary therapy, either instructing the patient in useful therapeutic techniques, or in physician techniques of an energetic nature which are designed to improve focus and the effectiveness of therapies.

Qi Gong literally means working with Qi. Qi is an abstract concept that means various things in context. In one context it means energetic function in the body, in another it may refer to breathing and respiration of gases. Qi may also refer to specific functions of bodily systems such as the workings of the liver metabolism or the endocrine system, or it may refer to circulation or vitality, depending on the context of use.

Working with Qi may involve patient learning of techniques such as Tai Chi, or it may involve various practices by the physician. The TCM physician usually has studied some Qi Gong from various masters and incorporated this into their life and practice. In the medical practice, this is usually part of the daily practice of patient care in acupuncture, much of which depends on the development of subtle techniques and skills, some of which are mechanical and some of which are energetic, or require some techniques of focus and transmission. This is sort of like the ability of a fine musician. It takes more than simple mechanics to produce great sound from a violin. The virtuoso musician works with a developed sense of energetic focus to produce a superior sound.

Above: Pearl powder and oyster shell are commonly utilized in TCM, usually to calm the nervous system, clear ‘heat’ and supply essential minerals to the body. The pearl is also a metaphor to signify something precious as in “pearls of wisdom.”

— Photo: Michele Clement