Sunday, July 26, 2015

                              Blog#41:  Qi Gong Can Help Relieve Pain

Because Qi Gong is energy work, and can help move and increase energy when used appropriately, it can also sometimes help relieve pain, including back and joint pain.  The exercises described in the previous five blogs, especially Blog#40, can be helpful in this way.  It is important to understand that although the pain relief experienced can be impressive, it also usually is temporary.  Practicing Qi Gong exercises on a regular basis – probably daily – can help results be more lasting.  However, to achieve long-term pain relief, lifestyle changes and possibly also time, rest, and sometimes vitamins, herbs, medication or even surgery may also be necessary. 

If pain is due to an acute strain or sprain, rest and time will be absolutely essential for recovery.  Since there are many different types of Qi Gong, exercises done while seated, standing, or lying down may be most helpful initially. 

Another type of Qi Gong which may be helpful in alleviating pain is easy to learn and practice.  The hands are placed over or on either side of the problem area.  In order to allow the hands to help maximally with pain control and healing, keep the mind empty, the spine straight, and rub the hands together rapidly for at least 30 seconds.  Then, focus on the palms of the hands and check for a tingling, warm, and perhaps a pulsing sensation.  Pressure or a magnetic pull may also be felt when the palms are facing each other.  The closer the palms come together, the stronger the pressure or pull may be.  As the palms are drawn away from each other, the sensation tends to be less noticeable.  A point may be reached when the hands are so far apart that the pressure or pull are no longer perceived.  They still may be present, however. 

Now, having maximized the sensations between the palms, place the hands on either side of the affected area.  If that is not possible, then place one or both hands close to the area needing help.  This can be done multiple times each day, for several minutes each time.  This Qi Gong method should be done on oneself only, not on another person.  It takes much training to use this method successfully on another person without causing problems for oneself.


This blog’s offer:  feel free to contact me free of charge with questions about the above exercise.  For a reasonable fee, I will spend 30 to 60 minutes with you to make sure you know how to use this technique appropriately.