Acupuncture is the most well-known TCM treatment modality in the West, in part because of its many advantages: it provides drug-free pain relief and effectively treats a wide range of acute and chronic ailments.

Acupuncture takes a holistic approach to understanding normal function and disease processes and focuses as much on the prevention of illness as on its treatment.

Qi, and the way it affects the body, is at the core of this approach. When healthy, an abundant supply of qi (life energy) flows through the body’s meridians system – a network of channels through the body. If the flow of qi in the meridians becomes blocked or there is an inadequate supply of qi, then the body is unable to maintain harmony, balance and order, and disease or illness follows. This can result from stress, overwork, poor diet, disease pathogens, weather and environmental conditions, as well as other lifestyle factors and is evident to TCM practitioners through observable signs of bodily dysfunction. TCM practitioners look for these signs of health and dysfunction, paying particular attention not only to the presenting signs and symptoms, but also to the medical history, general constitution, as well as the pulse and tongue.

Acupuncture works through the insertion of

fine, sterile needles into acupoints along the body’s meridians. This clears blockages and stimulates the normal flow of qi through the body.

As a natural form of healing, acupuncture treats the underlying causes of disease and illness as well as the symptoms, providing a holistic approach to the treatment of disease and illness and linking body, mind and emotions. It is he most efficient and natural way of maintaining general well-being and of preventing against disease and illness.

Qigong and Taichi are integrative parts of TCM healing. Based on the same TCM theories of Yin and Yang, the meridian system and Qi cultivation, Qigong and Taichi are widely practiced for health maintenance, and on a deeper level, for healing purposes.

Qigong

Qigong, which translates literally as ‘energy work’ in Chinese, has been existed for thousands of years. Before it had become popular in the general population, Qigong was practiced exclusively by Buddhists and Taoist monks, TCM practitioners and internal martial artists.

Qigong practices are commonly grouped in as external or internal. External Qigong is an interpersonal healing practice in which a practitioner projects Qi onto another person to promote the recipient’s circulation of Qi. It is highly subject to individual differences of practitioners who deliver the intervention in terms of skill levels, experience, background of training, and interpersonal qualities that may influence the recipient’s responses and receptivity.

A typical practice of internal Qigong includes 5 steps: meditation, cleansing, recharging/strengthening, circulating, and dispersing Qi. Each step entails specific exercises, meditations, and sounds. Specific sounds are associated with specific meridians and organ systems. Vocalization of the sounds (called “the 6 healing sounds”) can aid the circulation of energy through the specific organ networks.

There are three Qigong forms: dynamic (movement), static (holding position) and meditative (visualization). Dynamic Qigong involves a series of precise movements designed to improve the flow of energy in the body. With static Qigong the practitioner holds a certain position for a period of time. The effort exerted, both mentally and physically, enables the practitioner to properly manipulate the energy in his body. Meditative Qigong is commonly practiced in a sitting position. The practitioner learn to actively guide (dao-yin) Qi through the meridian pathways to flow throughout the body.

Qigong is a healing art, with specific techniques or styles that are particularly effective for specific diseases. Various Qigong systems work on our energy in unique way. Practitioners should be not practice different systems at the same time. As with any type of powerful energy healings, the practice of Qigong requires an absolute pure intent (yi) and the integration of mind, body and spirit.

Taichi

Taichi, also known as Taichi Chuan, meaning Taichi boxing, was originally designed as a self-defense martial art. Founded in the 13th century by a Buddhist-turned-Taoist monk, Taichi has evolved into five different schools, each with their own separate methods and principles: the Chen, Yang, Wu (Hao), Wu and Sun-styles.

Regardless of the differences in styles, they are all composed of a sequence of slow and deliberate movements. The fundamental guiding principle of movement is as follows:

“In every movement, every part of the body must be light and agile and strung together. The postures should be without breaks. Motion should be rooted in the feet, released through he legs, directed by the waist and expressed by the fingers. Substantial and insubstantial movements must be clearly differentiated”.

Following the principles of yielding, softness, effortlessness, centeredness, slowness, balance, suppleness and rootedness, the slow, deliverate and flowing movements of Taichi instills calmness and release stress,  increase strength and muscle tone, enhance range of motion and flexibility, balance and coordination, and improve posture, mental focus and memory.

Ultimately, Tai Chi is a moving form of meditation where precise movements and controlled breathing are synchronized to enable the practitioner to flow with the direction of energy in and around the body. Unlike Qigong which focuses on manipulating specific healing energy, Taichi is for the entire body, the so-called “the greater heavenly Qi”.