All our healing programs are designed to enhance the quality of life for cancer patients, their families and friends. This month we are teaching Qigong (pronounced “chee-gung”), an ancient (5000-7000 years old) internal Chinese meditative practice which often uses slow graceful movements and controlled breathing techniques to promote the circulation of qi within the human body to enhance overall health. Qi is considered “the fundamental life energy responsible for health and vitality.” Qi travels through the body along channels called meridians. There are 12 main meridians, corresponding to the 12 principal organs as defined by the traditional Chinese system. Each organ has qi associated with it, and each organ interacts with particular emotions on the mental level. Qigong techniques are designed to improve the balance, flow and volume of energy. The regular practice of Qigong can prevent and treat illness, reduce stress and provide balance, and connect the mind, body and spirit to achieve inner peace.
Qigong is a self-healing art. It includes postures such as standing, sitting and lying down as well as slow movements, jumps and bends. Qigong’s breathing techniques include deep abdominal breathing, chest breathing, relaxed breathing, and holding breaths. One breathing technique, “Six Healing Sounds,” uses specific breathing sounds believed to stimulate and heal six major organs. Meditations and mind exercises are also used in Qigong to enhance the mind and move qi through the body. In a visualization called the “Inner Smile,” joyful, healing energy is sent sequentially to each organ in the body.
In 2009, a randomized clinical trial by the American Society of Clinical Oncology concluded that cancer patients who perform medical qigong with usual health care can improve overall quality of life, fatigue, positive mood status and reduce the side effects of nausea, sleep disturbance and inflammation of cancer patients.
Ed Sullivan will teach these ancient Chinese methods so that our guests can learn to speed up their healing and detoxification process, raise their energy (qi) and lighten their spirits. As Ed teaches, “Flowing water never decays.”
To find out more about Qigong as well as our other healing programs and support groups, please call weSPARK at 661-288-2322 or visit our website at www.wespark.org .