THE way to use qigong for self-healing is first to locate and identify the root cause of the problem. Is it due to qi blockage, depletion or imbalance? Then, you need to enhance internal qi at the lower Dan Tian and use the strong flow to clear the blockage, energise or balance the affected part of the body.
The qi can be enhanced and generated by various methods; the easiest and simplest method is the use of qigong normal abdominal breathing. Once the qi in the lower Dan Tian is abundant, it will flow to the main channels and subsequently to the 12 meridians.
Beginners must first of all understand and experience what qi is. After that, he can learn how to activate and enhance his own internal qi, followed by how to circulate and direct qi to the various parts of the body. Once he is able to achieve this, he can start learning self healing techniques.
The procedure on self healing can be summarised as below:
Loose and activate qi- the more loose the body, the easier the qi flows. Therefore, loosening is the initial part of the exercise, followed by activation of the qi flow.
Circulate and direct qi- the inner orbit along the main channels and flow of qi along the twelve meridians is the next part of exercise. If the problem in the affected area is not serious, the flow will help to clear the problem. However, if the flow is not able to clear the problem, directing a stronger flow to the affected area is the next thing to do. If need be, the help of a medical qigong master to clear the area is recommended.
Flush and cleanse qi- there are flushing and cleansing techniques to assist in the clearing of the affected area.
Enhance and energise qi- enhancement of qi is required on a regular basis to help maintain health.
Store and conserve qi- at the end of the practice, one must store the qi at the lower Dan Tian for use whenever it is needed. Learn how to conserve qi to avoid unnecessary wastage.
Note that to achieve the above, you may have to practise two to three different types of qigong exercises using different training methods to complement each other.
To be effective in healing, one should understand the concept of Five Elements. The Five Elements each has its characteristics and is closely related to the type of energy that a person has.
The metal element is contracting and inward in nature. Too much can result in an emotionally self-centred and introverted personality. Deficiency can cause lung-related and colon-related problems. It can also caused dysfunction of the reproductive system.
The wood element is expansive and outward in nature. Excess can result in a inflexible, rigid, stubborn and angry person. Deficiency can cause liver ailments and gall bladder dysfunction.
The water element is descending and downward in nature. Excess can be seen in the face, which is usually pale. Deficiency can cause kidney- and bladder-related problems.
The fire element is rising in nature. Excess can result in sudden temper outbursts, hypertension and heartburn. Deficiency can cause heart and digestive problems.
The earth element is stabilising and balancing. Deficiency can cause spleen and stomach problems.
There are two basic cycles of interaction between the five elements. In the first cycle, known as the Cycle of Generation, each element generates or produces the succeeding element. This is sometimes known as the Mother-Son law. According to this cycle, one element gives birth to the next and nourishes it by a flow of energy.
Wood produces Fire. Fire produces Earth and ashes are returned to the earth. Earth produces Metal. Metals are found within the earth. Metal produces Water. The metal and mineral deposits are frequently found near flowing water. Water produces Wood. Trees grow by absorbing water through their roots. And The Wood will then feed the burning fire that produces earth. The cycle begins again.
In the second cycle, known as the Cycle of Destruction, each element destroys or absorbs the succeeding element. It is really a control cycle in that it represents the process by which the elements check and balance one another. If one element becomes too strong or too weak, it can attack another or be injured.
Wood can penetrate Earth; Earth controls Water; Water puts off Fire; Fire melts Metal; Metal destroys Wood, and the cycle begins again.
The importance of these two cycles of generation and destruction is that they form the rational basis for the application of medical qigong therapy.
The most efficient way to enhance the flow to the internal organs and to ensure balanced qi in these organs is to use the sound vibration technique. In qigong, this is known as Healing Sounds or Six Secret Healing Sounds. We shall discuss this in the next article.
- Master Tan Soo Kong is the founder of Wellness Medical Qigong (WMQ). For further information, e-mail starhealth@thestar.com.my. The views expressed are those of the writer and readers are advised to always consult expert advice before undertaking any changes to their lifestyles. The Star and AsiaOne do not give any warranty on accuracy, completeness, functionality, usefulness or other assurances as to the content appearing in this column. The Star and AsiaOne disclaim all responsibility for any losses, damage to property or personal injury suffered directly or indirectly from reliance on such information.
This story was first published in The Star on Sept 14, 2008.
