The benefits that Qigong can offer are another gift I received through information from my support group. One of the group members used a disciplined and devoted daily practice to fully recover from Parkinson’s. She now counsels others through their recovery by following her protocol(1).
I am not so devoted as she, and have not yet acheived the same result, but I do find that Qigong has a cumulative effect on my overall state of health and vitality. It is also a simple and enjoyable form of exercise for the body and a quieting activity for the mind.
According to the Chi Center website(2): “Qi (Chi) means ‘life energy’ and gong means ‘cultivation and its benefits.’ Qigong, an ancient technology and revitalized science of energy healing, has developed through more than 5000 years of Chinese history. Through gentle movement, visualization, sound, breathing and conscious intention, the ancient practice of Qigong energy healing dynamically restores the life energy and creative power within oneself. As the underlying causes of life’s challenges are released, you reconnect with the universal source and bring new and vital energy streams into the flow of life. With this practice, you amplify a web of positive changes for you, your loved ones, and planet Earth.” I couldn’t agree more. After nine months of practice, despite it being an intermittent habit, I have developed more sensitivity to the awareness of Qi in my hands, body, and my surroundings. It feels like a magnetic pull in my hands, and a tingling in other parts of my body when focused there. Parts of my body that seemed disconnected, and lacking in energy, now feel more enlivened. I have begun to crave my Qigong practice and find that I miss it if I don’t get the chance to perform it daily.
Like anything else, you have to do it for it to work. I’m a big fan of instant results, which tend to be few and far between with this health condition—with nearly all health challenges really. I have tried many things and dropped their practice based on not seeing enough immediate change in my condition. This quick trial method is not so good for measuring scientific results. Lasting change can be a slow process, so the counsel with Qigong, as with many things, is to give it time. Also, sometimes symptoms may get worse before they get better. This can be a scary place to be in your process. This is where cultivating Mindfulness comes in handy. Observing but not reacting is key.
There is a wealth of information out there, with so many videos and styles that it can be overwhelming. The teacher to look for is Mingtong Gu, through the Chi Center. He has a specific program for healing, and you can check out a sample video here.
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