Medical Qigong at Yo San University
Medical Qigong is a form of Traditional Chinese Medicine that combines movement, breath control, and meditation to balance and improve the flow of Qi (also spelled “Chi” or “life energy”) throughout the body. It is based on the principles of Chinese medicine and the concept of Qi, which is believed to be the fundamental energy that flows through all living things. Medical Qigong practitioners use various techniques such as movement, breath control, and visualization to balance and improve the flow of Qi throughout the body. It is believed to help in treating a wide range of health conditions, including chronic pain, stress-related disorders, and immune system disorders. The practice is also used as a preventative measure to maintain overall health and well-being. Medical Qigong practitioners are trained by certified Medical Qigong schools and often work in conjunction with other healthcare professionals.
The basis and theory of medical qigong
The basis and theory of Medical Qigong is rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and the concept of Qi (also spelled “Chi” or “life energy”). According to TCM, Qi is the vital energy that flows through all living things, and it is responsible for maintaining the balance and harmony of the body’s functions. Medical Qigong practitioners believe that when Qi is flowing freely, the body is healthy, and when there is a disruption or imbalance in the flow of Qi, the body becomes susceptible to disease and illness.
The theory of Medical Qigong is based on the idea that by cultivating and balancing the flow of Qi, it is possible to promote healing and prevent illness. This is achieved through various techniques such as movement, breath control, and visualization. The practice is believed to help balance the body’s energy, which can help to improve circulation, boost the immune system, and reduce stress.
Medical Qigong also incorporates the concept of Yin and Yang, which are the opposing forces that make up the universe. According to TCM, everything in the universe is made up of these two forces that are constantly interacting and influencing one another. Medical Qigong practitioners believe that when Yin and Yang are in balance, the body is healthy and when they are imbalanced, the body is susceptible to disease.
In summary, Medical Qigong is based on the principle that the body’s natural healing process can be enhanced by cultivating and balancing the flow of Qi through various techniques of movement, breath control, and visualization and by maintaining the balance of Yin and Yang in the body.
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Sun Simiao and the “Quiet Physician”
Sun Simiao, also known as Sun Wu, was a Chinese physician and medical writer who lived during the Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD). He is considered one of the greatest medical figures in Chinese history and is known for his famous quote on “Quiet Physicians”
Sun Simiao is said to have advocated the idea of “Quiet Physicians” or “Silent Healers”, which refers to the idea that the best physicians are those who are able to diagnose and treat patients without saying a word. According to Sun Simiao, a good physician should be able to understand a patient’s condition simply by observing their appearance, movements, and energy, and should not need to rely on verbal communication to make a diagnosis. He believed that the best physicians were those who were able to sense the patient’s condition intuitively and who were able to treat the patient through subtle means, such as by adjusting the flow of Qi through the body.
Cultivating the mind and spirit
Sun Simiao emphasized the importance of cultivating the mind and spirit in order to be an effective physician. He believed that a physician must “quiet the spirit and settle the will” in order to diagnose and treat patients effectively. This means that the physician should be able to quiet their mind and emotions in order to observe the patient’s condition intuitively, and to be able to diagnose and treat the patient without relying on verbal communication.
In his book “Essentials of Medical Practice”, Sun Simiao wrote that a physician must be “quiet in mind and still in heart” in order to diagnose and treat patients effectively. He believed that a physician’s own mental and emotional state is crucial to the success of treatment, and that a physician who is agitated or emotionally disturbed will not be able to diagnose or treat patients effectively.
By quieting the spirit, the physician is able to clear their mind of distractions and to focus on the patient’s condition. By settling the will, the physician is able to let go of any preconceptions or biases and to see the patient’s condition objectively.
Sun Simiao also believed that quieting the spirit and settling the will was essential for the physician’s own well-being and longevity. He believed that a physician who is not able to quiet the spirit and settle the will is more likely to be affected by stress and to become ill themselves.
In summary, Sun Simiao’s statement “quiet the spirit and settle the will” is a call for physicians to cultivate a peaceful and clear mind, and to observe the patient’s condition objectively and without bias in order to make accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. It also applies to the physician’s self-care and well-being.
In his writings Sun Simiao emphasized the importance of the physician’s own cultivation and inner virtue, as well as the importance of the physician’s ability to “see” the patient’s condition intuitively. Sun Simiao stated that a physician’s own inner virtue is the foundation of good medical practice, and that a physician who is not cultivated will not be able to treat the patient effectively.
Sun Simiao’s ideas about “Quiet Physicians” continue to influence the practice of traditional Chinese medicine to this day, and many practitioners of TCM still strive to embody the principles of the “Quiet Physician” in their practice.
There are several forms of Medical Qigong, including:
- Still Qigong: This form involves standing or sitting in a specific posture and focusing on breathing and visualization to cultivate and balance Qi.
- Moving Qigong: This form involves a series of slow, flowing movements designed to stimulate the flow of Qi throughout the body.
- Sound Healing Qigong: This form involves using specific sounds, mantras or toning to clear blockages and balance the flow of Qi in the body.
- Medical Qigong Therapy: This form involves a practitioner using their own Qi to help balance and heal the patient’s Qi. This may include techniques such as hands-on healing, visualization, and guidance on self-cultivation practices.
- Self-Cultivation Qigong: This form is a form of qigong practice that is performed by individuals on their own, in order to maintain and improve their health.
- Emotional & Psychological Qigong: This form is designed to help balance and transform negative emotions and thoughts, promoting a sense of inner peace and well-being.
It’s important to note that each form of Medical Qigong may have variations and different schools may have different emphasis and approach in teaching it.
What are the foremost schools of medical qigong?There are many schools and organizations that teach Medical Qigong, each with their own approach and emphasis. It’s difficult to say which one is the foremost, as it depends on individual preferences and what you are looking for in a Medical Qigong school. However, some notable and reputable schools of Medical Qigong include:
- The Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, which is the oldest and most prestigious institution in China for the study of traditional Chinese medicine.
- The China Wushu Association which is a national organization in China that promotes and standardizes the practice of Medical Qigong and other forms of Wushu (Chinese martial arts).
- The International Institute of Medical Qigong (IIMQ) in California, USA. It offers a comprehensive program that includes both theoretical and practical training in Medical Qigong therapy and self-cultivation.
- The Medical Qigong College of Huntington Beach, California, USA. Which is also known for its comprehensive program that includes both theoretical and practical training in Medical Qigong therapy and self-cultivation.
- The Sheng Zhen Healing Qigong School in Texas, USA, which focuses on the practice of Sheng Zhen Gong, a form of Medical Qigong that emphasizes the cultivation of unconditional love and compassion.
It’s recommended to research and investigate carefully the different schools and their approach to find the one that best suits your needs and goals.