External Qigong is the oldest therapeutic modality of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), and focuses on the root causes of illness, including emotional, mental, or physical changes. External Qigong is also known as Medical Qigong or External Qi Emission Therapy. In ancient times, External Qigong was performed by trained Qigong masters, therapists, shamans or monks. The goal of the External Qigong practitioner is to assist the natural healing power of our bodies to attain balance and harmony.
There seems to be a renewed and growing interest in energy healing today. It may be a result of the tumultuous times we live in and increasing stress as a result of the current pandemic. There are at least 10 other forms of energy healing, including reiki. People whose illnesses do not respond to other therapies often seek out Qigong therapists.
It takes years to become a competent, effective Qigong healer or therapist. Practitioners are believed to have the ability to control Qi and, therefore, have the ability to emit Qi in order to heal others. These practitioners are required to have extensive knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and pathology, They must also use their intuition along with their knowledge. A balance of knowledge and intuition is essential in order to become a great healer.
Energy blockages keep parts of the body from being nourished and Qi deficient. As well, Qi that flows too quickly can cause organ exhaustion and degeneration. External Qigong sessions, while non-invasive, release muscular tension, clear energy blockages, and eliminate deficiencies to allow Qi to flow smoothly. Eliminating deficiencies and blockages also relieve stress, and pain, resulting in a sense of well-being and peace of mind.
External Qigong sessions are one-on-one, usually 60-90 minutes in length, tailored to the patient and their medical diagnosis. The patient is usually fully dressed, and can be lying down or sitting in a chair. Depending on the practitioner, they may have other requirements when it comes to jewelry or clothing. Some practitioners offer distant sessions for individuals who live many miles away.
All treatments, whether in-person or distant, address the internal organs and meridians in order to open blockages and improve Qi flow. Clients may or may not actually feel the Qi flow in their bodies during sessions. The practitioner hands are usually above the patient’s body, however, some use touch, massage, or acupressure in order to regulate and balance blockages or deficiencies. Other practitioners may use objects, metals, stones, fire cupping or auricular ear seeds in order to reach certain areas of the body. Depending on the practitioner, patients be given specific Internal Qigong exercises in order to for the healing to become permanent.
From a scientific point of view, there is little to no evidence of the effectiveness and actual healing effect of External Qigong. Research in this area has been difficult because conducting a study that is reliable, double-blind, random, placebo-controlled, without bias is just about impossible. The main issue is that Qi is invisible and the practitioner is in control of whether or not Qi is actually being conveyed or not. Then there is the question of a placebo effect on the patient. Unfortunately, unlike Internal Qigong, no reliable study could be found in published literature.
Just because solid, scientific research is not available, doesn’t mean that it doesn’t work or that benefits are not derived. There are numerous testimonials from clients/patients reporting on the many positive physical and mental effects received from External Qigong.
Bottom line: just like choosing any instructor or practitioner, do your research, check the practitioner’s education, reputation, etc. Once you are comfortable with your choice, why not give a session a try!
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