Local Article: Utilizing Qigong to Counter Chronic Pain

by Erik Harris

Qigong, a practice that is part of traditional Chinese medicine, has been around for thousands of years. It is rooted in Taoist philosophy which, at its core, connects to the energy of nature that flows through all things. A literal translation of qigong is the practice of cultivating qi. Qigong is often called meditation in motion. This mindful movement can be a different approach to create more awareness in someone’s life with the focus on the breath, body and mind.

Qigong is the foundation for tai chi While many people know of tai chi, they might not be aware of its origins in qigong. Tai chi was developed around 600 years ago. Qigong is a great modality for people who are dealing with chronic pain and illness. It is gentle yet powerful in how it can affect healing on all physical, mental, emotional and spiritual levels. It can be better for those with chronic conditions than tai chi or yoga because some of the exercises in those practices are too much for people who deal with chronic pain or illness. The beauty of qigong is that it can be modified to suit the needs of the student. Most of the exercises are done in the standing position but they can be modified to do while seated if needed.

There are many different styles of qigong, but there are only two types. There is dong gong, which consists of movement exercises. Jing gong connects with stillness. These are a combination of seated or standing meditation positions where you focus on the wu ji, the universal energy flowing through you. This practice is very simple but not always easy. When you practice the exercises on a daily basis, there is a cumulative effect. Often people call Chinese medicine slow medicine because it can take a while to take effect; once it does, it has long-lasting benefits. The changes can be subtle at first but, over time, they can make a tremendous impact.

Being a part of Chinese medicine, qigong has a connection to the five elements and the organ systems. One of its main focus areas is to open up energy through the meridians that are energy channels of the organs that flow through the body. There are even ancient Taoist chants that correlate with the five elements and organ systems.

Another concept that is focused on in qigong is the three dan tiens. These are the three main energy centers in qigong, similar to the seven chakras in yoga. However, they are a different application to the flow of energy. The lower dan tien connects to the body, or more external energy. The middle dan tien connects to the mind. This relates to the concept of Shen, which is our spirit that resides in the heart. Think of it as the true mind, not the ego mind. The upper dan tien connects to spirit. Imagine a connection to the universe, creator or a higher power. When exercises are done focusing on the dan tien, there is a bridge or connection of the body, mind and spirit that is created.

Here is a description of a set of movements that focuses on the three dan tiens. The lower dan tien is at the abdomen. The middle dan tien is at the chest area. The upper dan tien is at the forehead area.

Start by bringing your hands up towards your lower abdomen. Separate your hands at the top of your stomach and make a circle back down to the lower abdomen. Continue this movement for a few breaths. Now move to the middle dan tien bringing your hands up towards your chest. The circles get a little bigger now as you come back down to the lower abdomen and then back up to your chest. Continue to breath and bring your hands up, separate, down and to the center again.

Move up to the upper dan tien at the area of your forehead. You will make big circles now. Separating at the forehead coming down to the lower abdomen and then back up. Do this for a few breaths. Now go in the opposite direction; take your hands hold them up and out, and then bring them towards your forehead and then down to your lower abdomen. Then separate your hands and bring them up and in, and then down at your forehand towards your abdomen. Do this for a few breaths and then start to make the circles smaller.

Continue down your body, now starting at your chest. Bring your hands in and down. Up and around. Continue for a few breaths. Then move down to the lower abdomen. Circles will be very small now coming down, separating, up and around. After a few breaths, allow yourself to come to stillness.

Erik Harris, a qigong practitioner for 17 years, is certified through Fengyang TCM with Dr. Ming Wu. He is offering a Qigong for Chronic Pain Certification Course in October at the Red Barn in Durham. Connect at ChiforHealing.com and Erik@ChiforHealing.com.