I am happy to announce that I have just completed the Medical Qigong Practitioner Training offered by the International Institute of Medical Qigong through the Academy for Five Element Acupuncture. I am now offering Medical Qigong treatments in addition to acupuncture.

“Although each session and client’s experience is unique, most clients have reported sensations of warmth, gentle tingling, internal spaciousness, and a profound sense of relaxation as the treatment cleanses, renews, and balances the body, mind, and spirit.”

What Is Medical Qigong?

Medical Qigong uses the same principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Five Element Theory that form the foundation of acupuncture treatment. While acupuncture uses specific points along the body’s energy pathways to address disharmonies, Medical Qigong focuses on the body’s organs as a means to eliminate distress and improve health. One of my clients describes Medical Qigong as “acupuncture without needles,” while another has said that “it is like a gentle, internal massage.”

What takes place in a Medical Qigong Treatment session?

A typical Medical Qigong treatment is about 45-50 minutes in length and takes place with the fully clothed client lying on the treatment table. The practitioner’s hands may be placed lightly on the client’s body, or suspended slightly above it. Although each session and client’s experience is unique, most clients have reported sensations of warmth, gentle tingling, internal spaciousness, and a profound sense of relaxation as the treatment cleanses, renews, and balances the body, mind, and spirit. As with any sort of healing modality (massage, acupuncture, reiki, etc.) the client may provide feedback during the session, or may choose instead to simply rest.

After the treatment the practitioner will offer the client a “prescription exercise;” an easy Qigong movement to practice at home to encourage further health and to maintain the effects of the Medical Qigong treatment.

What kinds of things can Medical Qigong treat?

Like acupuncture, Medical Qigong is an appropriate and effective way to treat physical illness and emotional distress. In China, it is used alongside of advanced western-oriented medical techniques for the treatment of cancer and has had profound results. Medical Qigong is a highly effective way to strengthen the immune system, re-charge or re-energize after a period of prolonged stress, and help maintain a sense of harmony with life.

What is the cost?

The cost of an initial session (75-90 minutes) for a client new to my practice is $75. This includes time for me to obtain a health history. Follow-up treatments and initial treatments for my current acupuncture clients are $50. Medical Qigong is not, to my knowledge, currently reimbursable through either insurance or flexible spending accounts.

Treatment frequency is based upon the client’s personal goals for health and the diagnostic information gathered by the practitioner during the first session. A single treatment can be remarkably effective, while some clients prefer to schedule treatments before or after times of stress or physical challenge, seasonally, or weekly for a short period of time to deal with a particular issue. Prescription exercises give clients the opportunity to extend the healing effects of the Medical Qigong treatment.