The application of Chi Gung as medicine and treatment, stems from a viewpoint which takes into account not only the patients physical condition, but also their energetic, mental and emotional conditions. By considering the nature of these complex interrelationships and balancing their influence on each other, Chinese Medicine seeks to circulate chi throughout the patients entire system. This movement of energy helps prevent conditions of imbalance, which lead to disease and illness.

Although here our focus is on Chi Gung, it is useful to understand this work as part of an extensive and refined approach to health and diagnosis; one which includes the use of herbs, body work (Tui Na) and acupuncture. Indeed these branches carry within themselves specific concepts and techniques (such as five element theory(1); eight principles(1); spiralling(2); fa jin(3) and so on) which in turn grow from broader foundations such as yin/yang theory and the relationship between jing, chi and shen(4) .

Longevity, optimum health and vitality are the natural result of maintaining fully functioning body systems. Movement and flexibility are key components in the body's ability to respond to change and maintain equilibrium. Cells, glands, organs, all levels of body tissue, joints and so forth must have the correct degree of motility, elasticity and motion to function optimally. It is in this process of restoring, balancing and maintaining movement (energetically and physically) that Chi Gung really works.

There are many distinct energy flows in the human body (including the acupuncture meridians) which can be thought of as "rivers" of chi. In these rivers are various currents or qualities of energy which effect both physiological and psychological functioning in humans. If any of these rivers get dry (deficient), overloaded (excess) or dammed (stagnation) there is an immediate impact the on the body systems most closely associated with that flow. Then other systems also become affected in a process of compensation and adjustment. The ensuing imbalance effects physical functioning as well as emotional equilibrium and long term can lead to the disease of organs, body tissue, postural problems (among other ailments) and the creation of a degenerative cycle of stress, depletion and eventual exhaustion.

Chi Gung can break such cycles, prevent them from occurring, alert practitioners to early signs of imbalance and enable them to maintain strong immune systems and high overall levels of vitality. It achieves this not only through physical techniques (Body Systems,Tai Chi Chuan, Chi Gung) but also by working at the level of pshyconeuroimmunology. By learning to direct the mind in very specific ways the practitioner controls the flow of chi so that energy pathways are stimulated and balanced, enabling a process of regeneration to occur. This relieves pain and stress, and restores vitality. In other words, Chi Gung consciously engages the calming restorative effects of the parasympathetic nervous system and forges clear links between the various operating systems of the body.

In fact Chi Gung encompasses many practices which enable people to engage with primary manifestations of Yin and Yang in their bodies. Some of these practices such as Tai Chi Chuan emphasise movement, others, such as standing or I Chuan postures emphasise stillness. However, the key issue is to blend these qualities into a balanced flow - as classical writings on Tai Chi Chuan put it "There is movement in stillness and stillness in movement".

For example, in cases of Parkinson's Disease specific alignments in the stillness of a standing posture will begin the process of strengthening the nervous system and re-establishing its impulses. The movements of Cloud Hands Chi Gung or Wu style Tai Chi Chuan will then enliven the nerves further, improve the tonus and thus help prevent and/or reduce tremurosity and espasticity. A direct consequence of this will be a better range of movement in the joints, more fluidity in these movements and a consequent easing of daily life activities. As time goes on the continued practice of these forms will integrate the body more fully (by promoting the energetic connection between the spine and limbs) and improve co-ordination and balance in the practitioner.

 

 

 

With Ankylosing Spondilitis the primary focus is the spine. Initially the patient learns to access the chi and nerve flow relating to each vertebrae, induce a release of holding patterns and tension then apply specific movements to create and maintain space between these vertebrae. This initial balancing and stabilising of the spine can then be used as a foundation for other strengthening Chi Gung practices.

 

 

For people with Asthma the approach is immediately two fold; along with specific Taoist breathing exercises which release constrictions in the diaphram and throughout the entire respiratory system,the focus is also directed to the shoulder blades and rib cage. By employing the circularity of particular Chi Gung motions, patients are able to release stiff holding patterns in the upper body and reconnect the entire torso. In this way the full capacity of the lungs is accessed, allowing them to function more efficiently and maintain a balanced cycle of inhaling and exhaling.

In cases of High Blood Pressure, where the degree of elasticity in the vascular system directly affects its functioning, Chi Gung uses very accurate internal alignments to create a kind of internal massage.This mobilising of tissue (veins, arteries, capillaries) releases constriction, reduces strain and promotes increased blood flow which in turn, reduces pressure on the heart.

As mentioned earlier the motions of Chi Gung generate heat and soften the body's connective tissue, however they also encourage the flushing of intercellular fluid throughout the entire body and organs. When combined with standing postures and Taoist breathing all body systems are affected so that oxygenation of blood and cells is increased. In terms of Cancer what this means is that more nourishment can be absorbed, delivered and distributed throughout the body leaving no room to feed tumour cells(5).

In HIV and AIDS cases, the pumping actions of Chi Gung work on the the lymphatic and circulatory systems, improving immune responses, increasing circulation at the cellular level and therefore promoting a better drug absorption.

Finally, it should be noted that when treating specific conditions with Chi Gung, diligent practice of the material is of prime importance. Patients need to clearly understand their role in the treatment process, recognize their ability to stimulate their body's natural healing powers and realise that the practice of Chi Gung is the means by which they achieve this.

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