How Qigong Complements Acupuncture
How Qigong Complements Acupuncture and Improves Overall Health
Treating The Whole Being: A Holistic, Whole-Body Approach
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) considers the whole person (mind, physical body, and spirit) when addressing health. It is grounded in the laws of nature and understands that our body can heal itself.We are inherently whole, and we respond to the environment around us. TCM practitioners observe how the body balances the nervous system’s physical response to create functional balance in the body.Acupuncture is used to address the root cause of what is out of balance in our bodies, and by adding Qigong to our routines, we can amplify the effects of acupuncture treatments.
What Is Qigong?
Qi (vital energy/life force) gong (skill cultivated through steady practice) is a broad term used to describe various training paths that all have inherent benefits but differ in methodology. These paths focus on many topics and can be grouped into health, clinical, martial, and spiritual categories. Qigong is rooted in Taoist philosophy and TCM, and it is estimated to have been around for over 5,000 years. It is a mind-body-spirit practice that integrates posture, movement, breathing, sound, self-massage, and focused intent.
There are thousands of Qigong styles across Chinese culture, each with its philosophy about movement and energy. One of the central ideas behind Qigong is that discomfort and sickness are a symptom of imbalanced energy within a person. Qigong helps activate qi to correct energy imbalances, massages internal organs, promotes circulation and regulates body function. It involves doing repetitive movements that stretch, strengthen, balance, increase circulation of bodily fluids, and build awareness of how the body moves. Through these movements, the flow of energy through the meridians is opened, the same meridians that are used in acupuncture.
How Does Qigong Affect Health?
Qigong can have tremendous effects on physical and psychological health. Some benefits include and are not limited to:
Physical
Cardiovascular and pulmonary function
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Various studies showed that Qigong significantly reduced blood pressure when compared to an inactive control
Immune health
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In 2004, a study found improvements in several immune-related blood markers after a one month Qigong training intervention compared to usual care
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In response to flu vaccinations, antibody levels were found to be significantly increased in a group that practiced Qigong compared to a non-active group
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Interleukin-6, a marker for inflammation, was regulated in response to Qigong compared to a non-active group
Somatic symptoms (physical symptoms that are a result of stress or anxiety)
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Qigong is potentially linked to improving sympathetic and parasympathetic activity, reducing heart rate variability and overall heart rate
Psychological
Improves quality of life
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Quality of life is measured as a person’s perceived physical health, psychological state, personal beliefs, social relationships, and romantic relationships to relevant features of their environment
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Several studies across a diverse group of participants (including healthy adults, patients with cancer, post-stroke, and arthritis) found that Qigong improved at least one aspect of life compared to non-active groups.
Improves self-efficacy
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Self-efficacy is defined as the confidence someone feels when performing tasks and behaviors and their perceived ability to overcome barriers associated with performing them
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This was significantly improved after performing Qigong as compared to a non-exercise group, especially in respect to the perception of ability to handle stress or novel experiences.
Reduces stress biomarkers
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A study focused on observing biomarkers related to stress responses found that norepinephrine, epinephrine, and blood cortisol levels were significantly decreased in response to Qigong compared to a non-exercise group
Disclaimer: This guide is not a replacement for regular medical care; it is meant to support in addition to your standard wellness checkups with your doctor. If you are experiencing persistent and or life-threatening symptoms, contact your doctor right away or dial 9-1-1.
