Qigong and Pain Management

“Mind-body therapies such as Qigong and Tai Chi are widely used by people who have back pain, as well as those who have osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, and rheumatoid arthritis.  A growing body of studies suggests Qigong and Tai Chi may be effective for easing pain and improving quality of life for these and other pain conditions.”

Harvard Health Publications, Harvard Medical School Guide to Tai Chi

People in my classes with chronic pain often report they are able to perform a Qigong practice with little or no discomfort.  If pain during movement is activated, encouragement is given to shift into using the breath and visualization or to sit quietly and nourish their Qi. Once any discomfort abates they can then resume the movements.  Many people over time have fewer episodes of discomfort.

The gentle movements of Qigong maintain flexibility while moving within your own range of comfort. Qigong can be modified and adjusted for your particular needs. and can be practiced by anyone of any age with any kind of physical limitation or challenge. Most practices can be performed in any position, standing, sitting, lying down, walking and in the mind’s eye. 

The simplest of Qigong practices can bring amazing results. Studies have shown that the key to reducing and/or relieving chronic pain is to practice every day and to stay within your comfort range.

The Focused breath of Qigong helps to eliminate from the blood and lymph the accumulation of toxins and waste products that produce inflammation. When we dispel toxins and bring in fresh nourishing Qi we are reducing the inflammatory response and helping every system of the body return to its optimal state of function. Focusing on the breath during a Qigong practice is significant as 70% of the toxins in the blood are removed from the body through exhalation. In  Every Qigong practice, we are expelling stagnant, unwanted Qi and bringing in fresh, soothing, healing Qi. The Xi Xi Hu breathing practice is one of many Qigong practices for clearing toxins and restoring balance.

The focused mind on movement and breath calms the mind and allows the body/brain to establish new neural pathways that are associated with pleasure in movement. As you feel able to move without discomfort your nervous system calms down and your mood is elevated, stress-related hormones decrease and neurochemical substances that enhance your well-being increase.

When we focus our mind on breath and movement during a Qigong practice we are circulating the Qi.  When the Qi circulates, every organ, every tissue of the body is nourished which allows us to function at our optimal capacity with little or no distress.

People in my classes with chronic pain often report they are able to perform a Qigong practice with minimal or no discomfort.

“The mindful, meditative state that you reach through qigong releases neurochemical and immunological messengers that improve healing and reduce pain.  Some people in my study reduced the amount of medications they were using or got off meds completely. But you have to continue to practice it.  This is not an as-needed treatment”

Dr. Mary Lynch, Professor of anesthesiology, pain medicine and preoperative care at Dalhouse University in Halifax, Nova Scotia