Qi Gong For Mental Health Improvement

Are you thinking about undertaking Qi Gong as a therapy? Qi Gong specialists work with body posture, movements, breath practice and meditation which are designed to enhance the Qui functionality ( life force ) through deep focus and relaxation. We at Seek a Therapy want to help answer your questions and concerns surrounding this therapy in order to help you select the right practitioner for you and on this page we have included some of the most common questions a person may have before attending their first session.

What Is Qi Gong?

Qigong is a meditation and healing practice that has been part of traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. Benefits of qigong include lowered stress and anxiety, increased focus, and improved balance and flexibility.

HealthLine

Qi Gong is a mind-body-spirit practice that improves one’s mental and physical health. It does this by integrating posture, movement, breathing technique, self-massage, sound, and focused intent.

It is believed there are thousands of qigong styles, schools, traditions, forms, and lineages, each with practical applications and different theories about Qi / Life Force (“subtle breath” or “vital energy”) and Gong (“practice”).

Qi Gong practitioners believe that we are beings of energy that allows the flow through meridian points. These meridian points are positioned at certain points of the body. It is believed through Qi Gong you are able to open the flow of energy. By conducting this practice you enhance your ability to feel the Life Force underlying the physical world and to deepen our communication with it.

Studies have shown Qi Gong is effective in helping to heal life challenges ranging from high blood pressure and improving mental health. Things like emotional frustration, mental stress, and spiritual crisis can all be supported through this practice.

What to Expect From Qigong Practice

When you meet your Qi Gong Practioner it is believed they are able to identify areas where qi may be out of balance or even blocked. Qi Gong specialists develop skills for influencing the flow of qi, clearing blockages, strengthening, channelling and redirecting as necessary.

A lot of this therapy can often be done without touching you but may sometimes require them to put their hands above or directly touch certain parts of your body to subtly influence the movement of energy. When this is done, you may feel sensations such as warmth or the opposite, cool, vibration, tingling, aching or a magnetic feeling. Other people report seeing different coloured lights.

If you feel uncomfortable at any point during your treatment you must let your therapist know as this may give them further information about your situation and they may be able to support you to feel more comfortable.

Your therapist may also use massage, stretching, breathing awareness and guided visualization as part of your treatment to stimulate, direct and balance the qi.

You may also be positioned sitting, standing or asked to lay down. This is due to how the therapist may need to position their hands.

They also may offer you specific Qi Gong exercises, breathing techniques and meditations to aid in your progress. They may also make other lifestyle recommendations to you.

What Is The Difference Between Qi Gong and Tai Chi?

How Much Does A Typical Qi Gong Cost?

A Qi Gong Specialist( and we have several in our directory in the UK, USA, Europe and Asia) cost can vary and can range from £60/$80 per session and sometimes can go upwards of £150/$200. It can occasionally be more depending upon the status and experience of the therapy, speciality and location.

How Do I Know Which Qi Gong Specialist To Choose?

It is probably important to recognise that the Qi Gong specialist you select must make you feel confident in yourself and your surroundings. You are going to have to develop a relationship of trust and support for effective practice.

When you find the right therapist that offers you good communication, a partnership, trust, goals and a feeling of genuine understanding then together, over time, you will be able to create a relaxing and open atmosphere where you will best be able to reap the benefits of this therapy.

We also recommend if it is possible, to try and find reviews from previous happy customers and also see if they are registered with their specific industry body.

How Long Does It Take To Notice A Difference When Practicing Qi Gong?

It has been reported that if you are consistent with your practice, you should notice a difference in your mental health including reduced anxiety, depression and increased focus, within the first fourth months.

What If It Doesn’t Work For Me?

First of all, don’t worry!

If you think having therapy is the right therapy but you have the wrong professional then you have every right to seek a second opinion and you will not offend your practitioner, they just want you to improve your health and you deserve to feel well. If, on the other hand, you don’t feel Qi Gong is working at all then do not be disheartened, there are many, many different types of therapy that can help and personal training is only one. Use our therapy directory to find a different therapy, you may find hypnotherapy works better or possibly some holistic treatment. The key is not to think this is your only option.