Qigong Therapy

The work of a Qigong Therapist is to remove the blockages and to balance and circulate energy. Sounds simple enough but as usual I under estimated the depth of knowledge and the intensity of study required. But again, as usual, once the passion takes hold, I jump in head first, eyes closed. So for the last two years I have been traveling to North Carolina, Connecticut and New York State for various types of training leading to certification as a Qigong Therapist with the Qigong Institute of Rochester, NY.

I had been interested in energy healing long before I took the first Healing Touch course about seven years ago. I admit when I saw beginner training being offered by the Qigong Institute that was only a four hour drive from home, I decided to go mainly out of curiosity.

Side note: The training was scheduled to run from 6-9 pm on Friday and 9-6 pm on Saturday and Sunday. I was dreading the Friday session as I figured that it would be a “getting to know you” session where you paired with a partner and shared your bios and then tried to remember and report what your partner had told you to the rest of the class. What a pleasant surprise! We started work immediately! I should have known that when I saw thirteen massage tables that were setup and ready for action. (The training on Saturday and Sunday lasts until 6pm, not 5:59 or 6:01 so no cutting out early on Sunday.)

The beginner training included a basic understanding of energy healing and some simple hands on techniques, as well as Traditional Chinese Medicine Organ Systems questions based on the Five Element Theory used in the diagnosis of which systems to treat. Included also was training for meridian points for healing and balancing the body; basic diet changes to strengthen digestion and help the spleen and many, many Qi Gong exercises and meditations designed to move the energy in very specific ways to impact specific organ systems.

The intermediate training goes into much more depth as to meridians and healing points, microcosmic orbit, advanced healers head, neck, ear, and joint techniques, and Four Seasons Qigong. This training includes hours and hours of hands on practice.

I have also attended training in tongue diagnosis (gross but very useful), Traditional Chinese Medicine and Nutrition concentrating on the thermal nature of food, various types of organ stagnations and how to treat them, and Yin deficiencies and the types of foods specific to healing each organ system. I admit this aspect of Qi gong healing was very challenging for me. The Chinese use food as medicine and it is quite complicated.

Certification requires all of the above training plus 100 documented treatment applications (phone numbers included so the teacher can call the clients) and Tai Chi training in the Yang 24 form. Once the required training has been satisfied, there are written and oral tests as well as a treatment practicum with the teacher. If all goes well you will get a provisional certification for a year with more tests leading to another provisional certification before a permanent certification is granted.

What fascinates me is that this work is very gentle yet powerful since all healing happens on an energy level first. The first time we go through an interview process with a client, we ask questions related to the Five Elements of Chinese Medicine. We are looking for patterns of physiological and emotional symptoms that relate to the five energy systems of the body. For example, if I ask about circulation problems, trouble gaining or losing weight, various other questions related to diet, TMJ, worry, achy joints, or feeling overwhelmed, I am finding out information about the spleen energy system.

After the questions, the hands-on healing portion of the appointment takes place. You scan the individual using the palm to feel where the energy is getting trapped or congested. Then you pull out the energy blockages and send energy into the particular meridian points or areas to help with that particular person's needs. While sending in energy, you make a very light contact with the body. After the hands-on healing work, you teach each person Qigong techniques such as movements, breathing, and meditation that can be done at home to help with each particular imbalance. And if indicated, you may provide information on diet to help in balancing the particular organ system.

This article was written by Phillip Szpiech in December 2011. Phillip is a Certified Qigong Tai Chi Instructor with the Nam Hoa Temple of Internal Arts Association. He has trained in the Nam Hoa system for over ten years with Teacher Jude at Bending Tree Tai Chi. He is currently a member of the board of Tai Chi East West Alliance, the non-profit organization that owns Bending Tree Tai Chi in Virginia Beach, VA.  Phillip teaches the Nam Hoa Longevity Tree form, and forms in the Tai Chi for Health system as certified by Dr Paul Lam.

While Phillip has studied and practiced a variety of Qigong and Tai Chi practices, he has always had a keen interest in Qigong healing. In this article he shares with Nam Hoa instructors and students, his experiences regarding his training in Qi Gong healing therapy at Qi Gong Institute in Rochester.