Medical Qigong (pronounced chee kung) is one of the main branches of traditional Chinese medicine. The words "Qi" and "gong" mean "energy" and "work" respectively. Qigong refers to the various bodymind practices used to cultivate the body's own natural energy. When applied specifically towards healing, these bodymind techniques are called "medical qigong."

Many of these practices include movement arts like Tai Chi while others include sitting practices like meditation. Although an ancient practice, modern science has shown great validity for its techniques thanks especially to modern research in fields like psychoneuroimmunology.

Another practice is  "Wai Qi Liao Fa" which literally means

Medical Qigong

"curing with external qi."  To the casual observer, it looks like Reiki, but "Wai Qi Liao Fa" is based on the same theories as acupuncture. Although modern science has not been able to explain how it works, researchers in Japan have been able measure the phenomena. For example, in one study, researchers had a qigong master connected to an EEG (a device that is used in medicine to measure the electrical activity in the brain). In a separate room, the recipient of the "sending qigong" was likewise connected to an EEG. When the master "sent his qi," the EEG recorded dramatic changes in his brain wave patterns. Even more amazing was that the same changes in brain wave patterns were recorded in the recipient at the same time!

Integra Acupuncture Associates offers medical qigong sessions for those who wish to add this ancient practice to their other therapies. We not only teach patients how to do specific practices at home, but we perform "Wai Qi Liao Fa" sessions as well.