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The Immune Strengthening Power of Qigong

by Dr. Patricia June 4, 2020

There is a tidal wave of information going around right now about ways to strengthen your immune system.

Some of that information, like getting enough Vitamin C, eating well, and reducing stress is accurate and helpful.

However, there’s a lot of fear-based, sales-driven hype flying around too. Our immune systems have an amazing organizing intelligence, and while there are wonderful herbs and formulas that may be helpful, I’ll invite you to shift perspective for a minute from “What can I take/consume?” to “How can I harness and radiate this amazing intelligence that is my immune system?”

[Notice I said “harness” not “boost”! For more immune-nourishing strategies, check out my previous post: “Strategies to Support and Fortify (vs. “Boost”) Your Immune System: A Classical Chinese Medicine Wisdom for Optimal Health”.]

That’s what I LOVE about teaching and practicing Qigong.

This humble, gentle, meditative martial arts-based practice is accessible to anyone willing to learn, and will fortify your immune system just as well (if not better) than most pricey “immune-boosting” supplements. Please don’t misunderstand, as an herbalist, I love herbs, and I am so grateful to have witnessed their amazing power of healing in many patients throughout the decades. I guess I am somewhat of a health economist, in that why not use what you already have inside, and then if you need something outside yourself to supplement that good foundation, it is a great return on your investment: investment of time, money, energy, and consciousness.

This is why Qigong has been recommended in combination with acupuncture, nutrition, and herbs for centuries to prevent disease, provide for healing, and promote optimal quality of life physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

Today, modern science has begun proving what the ancients have always known about the immunomodulating effects of Qigong.

Let’s learn more about the science with these five incredible proven ways Qigong helps strengthen your immunity.

Four Proven Ways Qigong Strengthens Immunity

#1: Qigong increases your body’s ability to adapt to pathogenic invaders

Your body’s ability to “adapt” its response to defend itself against bacteria, viruses, etc. is known as immune modulation or immunomodulation; and it is paramount to health and vitality.

A study published in the International Journal of Behavioral Medicine showed that after a month of daily Qigong practice there was a significant increase of immune cells, specifically higher B-Cell counts (a type of white blood cell that secretes antibodies, antigens, and cytokines) compared to the control group 1.

Your body’s ability to adapt its response to invading pathogens is the bedrock of strengthening the immune system using TCM practices.

#2: Qigong is proven to have immediate immune benefits post session.

Not only has Qigong shown a positive effect after 1 month of daily practice, there is evidence demonstrating increases in both white blood cells and lymphocytes immediately after a single Qigong session 2!

So even if you can’t practice every day, your immune system will gain instantaneous benefit from just one session.

If this doesn’t scream instant gratification then I don’t what does.

#3: Qigong enhances your immune signaling mechanism

The immune signaling system of the body is critical for strong immunity.

The “signaling” referred to is the ability of immune cells to perceive and accurately respond to their environment to maintain balance.

So, not only do you want a robust immune response when a pathogen is detected, but you want a strong signaling system in place to alert your body’s defenses ASAP.

One study suggests that this response system is enhanced immediately following a Qigong practice by the increased release of growth hormone which primes the immune response 3.

#4: Qigong can prevent upper respiratory illness

In this pilot study, members of the University of Virginia Swim Team were given 3 weeks of Qigong classes. Swimmers are particulary prone to upper respiratory infections, so the goal of the study was to see if Qigong could reduce infection among participants.

The results were pretty impressive:

“Cold and flu symptoms showed a significant non-linear association with frequency of qigong practice (R(2) = 0.33, p < 0.01), with a strong, inverse relationship between practice frequency and symptom scores in swimmers who practiced Qigong at least once per week (R(2) = 0.70, p < 0.01).”

Imagine how much more beneficial Qigong could be if practiced more than once per week! Perhaps this information should make it into the pandemic news cycle.

I hope this information draws your awareness to the infinite healing power which resides within your own body.

So often, we believe to the myth that what we need to feel fulfilled, to feel safe, to feel powerful, to feel loved, to feel strong, to feel protected, etc. must be bought, or found outside ourselves.

During a vulnerable time like this COVID-19 pandemic, it seems the media, advertisers, and other entities try to drive this myth home even harder.

BUT, as you can see, when it comes to something as essential as caring for your immune health, nothing could be further from the truth.

You have what you need to heal from within. You always have, you always will.

The key lies in making time and space to cultivate and care for that healing power…and it will always serve you.

I hope this research and newfound knowledge empowers you to see passed any fear that may be standing in the way of your innate happiness and well-being.

To learn more about Qigong, check out:

  • What is Qigong (plus how to get started)?
  • Increase Energy, Focus, and Creativity with this Powerful Qigong Pose

June 4, 2020 0 comment
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What is Qigong (plus how to get started)?

by Dr. Patricia January 5, 2020

“If you want to be healthy and live to be 100, do qigong” – Dr. Oz

Dr. Oz has been instrumental in bringing greater public awareness to various aspects of Eastern and integrative medicine. The quote above was from an interview with Oprah in 2007. Although has been quite a few years since Dr. Oz shared his enthusiasm for qigong with such a large and captive audience, a renewed interest in this ancient practice with countless modern applications continues to rise.

And while I sincerely appreciate Dr. Oz’ perspective on the amazing longevity benefits of qigong, longevity is just one of its incredible superpowers.

As a 30+ year qigong student as well as an instructor for over a decade, I am always deeply humbled by its power to renew, transform, and heal body, mind, and spirit.

There is even a hospital in China known as the “medicineless hospital”, where daily qigong practice is the sole modality used to heal the sick from countless ailments.

So yes, qigong may indeed add more years to your life, but more importantly it can significantly enhance the quality of your life, health, and vitality.

Today, we’ll focus on the basics of qigong, how it differs from the more widely known practice of Tai Chi, a sampling of its many documented health benefits, the new research surrounding this ancient healing art, and a way to get started

What is Qigong?

The word qigong (pronounced: chee-gong) means: “Qi” (energy or life force), “gong” (a skill acquired through consistent practice).

Qigong is many things, but at its most foundational level it is an ancient Chinese martial arts practice that includes movement, meditation, breath awareness, self-massage, and healing sounds to enhance vitality and inner peace.

It has been practiced for thousands of years as an aspect of Traditional Chinese Medicine, thus there are thousands of different types of practices, schools, and lineages.

Unlike other forms of martial arts and exercise, qigong is universal in that it can be practiced by any person of any age and ability; either through self study (known as “Personal Qigong”) or with an instructor (known as “Clinical Qigong”).

Even if you’re 99 years old in a wheelchair or hospital bed, you can still practice various aspects of qigong to enhance your quality of life…it’s that inclusive and versatile.

How you choose to practice qigong depends on your goals, skill level, and objectives.

Some people cultivate a practice to improve their health (and we’ll get into the many health benefits coming up) and reduce stress. Others see it as a path to enhance their personal growth and spiritual awareness. While others still practice it as a martial art.

A qigong practice can also be cultivated within a more clinical setting with an instructor to deepen understanding and/or toachieve a specific health/spiritual milestone.

There is also a practice known as external qigong, in which the qigong practitioner focuses their cultivated healing energy (or “qi”) to another person to support a healing process.

In my experience as a teacher and student, I’ve observed that people often start off on a specific path to improve their health, then wind up broadening their practice to include a spiritual and/or martial arts component.

The path to discovering and mastering one’s qigong practice is a very personal and organic journey.

It really is a practice you grow into for your entire life…and never get bored or burnt out. I practice some aspect of qigong daily, and I am always finding something new and interesting within the practice.

Difference Between Tai Chi and Qigong

I am often asked “what is the difference between tai chi and qigong?” Tai chi and qigong have many similarities and interchangeable health benefits, yet most practitioners would agree they are fundamentally different practices.

The name “Tai chi” relates to finding balance between two opposing forces, yin and yang. Like qigong, its application in practice is vast and varied and it can be cultivated to enhance health, spirituality, as a martial art, or in a more clinical setting.

Tai chi actually has its roots in qigong—in other words qigong is the parent of Tai chi.

Qigong and tai chi differ in how they are practiced.

Tai Chi involves constant movement, whereas qigong incorporates many static poses…kind of like the difference between flow yoga and traditional yoga.

Tai chi also focuses more on the cultivation and development of qi (energy), whereas qigong can have a deeper meditative/spiritual aspect. But again, it’s all in how you choose to practice and harness the teachings.

Some organizations and practitioners have tried to tout the benefits of one practice over the other, but I don’t believe that’s wise and frankly question the accuracy of many of those claims. I have met many teachers and students of qigong and tai chi, and I have received countless glowing (both practices cultivate that “inner glow”) reports from practitioners of both disciplines. There is an abundance of research supporting the multitude of benefits of qigong and tai chi.

Ultimately, both practices improve the flow of qi, energy, and vitality and thus are both highly beneficial to the practitioner.

I encourage you to explore whichever practice resonates with you and brings you the most peace and fulfillment.

Benefits of Qigong

Qigong has been prescribed as a healing regime by Traditional Chinese Medicine doctors and healers for centuries because its benefits are so profound.

But how does it work to improve health of body, mind, and spirit?

To understand fully, we’d need to fully understand energy medicine…which is a tall order! I will be writing about energy medicine in upcoming posts, however we will keep it simple for this article.

Researchers looking into energy medicine are starting to reveal some of the mechanics behind qigong’s healing power, and much of it has to do with its stress-reducing properties.

To date, there are at least 160+ documented health benefits of practicing qigong1!

Here’s a small sampling of the many ways qigong can benefit your health, vitality, and well-being.

Qigong boosts your brain power

Cognitive decline is one of the most prominent conditions I address in practice. Even if it isn’t the primary reason a patient seeks help, it often comes up as we move along in their healing journey.

And when it does come up, qigong is one of my first recommendations.

Not only does the practice help calm the mind and settle the spirit, but it has also been proven to heal, relax, and protect the brain2.

Even practicing just once or twice per week can go a long way in resetting a scattered brain and calming an anxious heart. It is also helpful for balance and memory.

Qigong quells depression, anxiety, and mood disorders while boosting self-esteem

A variety of studies have shown that qigong and Tai chi have been successful in alleviating a variety of psychological conditions including depression and anxiety3.

Much of this has to do with the meditative aspects of the practice, which give the practitioner tools (like harnessing the power of breath work) to better manage stress; along with the physical exercise which lowers stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline.

Plus, one of the first lessons we learn in qigong is to LET GO—to let go of what’s no longer serving you, let go of pain, let go of tension, let of hurt feelings, let go of expectation, and of old patterns.

And through letting go of the old, we can let go to a new and higher state of mental and emotional freedom and wellness.

Qigong helps alleviate pain

Given the side effects of over-the-counter and opioid-based pain relievers, qigong’s ability to alleviate acute and chronic pain is significant.

Qigong works on pain in a few different ways:

#1: It helps relax the muscles, which increases the flow of oxygen and nutrients to the affected area.

#2: It helps facilitate the flow of qi to unblock stagnant areas where pain can build up.

#3: Like mindfulnes meditation, it increases the production of your body’s natural pain-relievers such as oxytocin and endorphins.

Research has also shown that external qigong (focused energy healing from qigong practitioner to patient/client) is effective in reducing osteoarthritis pain4.

So once again, qigong’s versatility shines through.

Qigong Improves Heart Health

Heart disease remains the #1 killer of adults, with cancer close behind. Thus, exercise and meditation are often recommended as effective preventative and treatment measures.

Qigong is in a class of its own in this regard, as it has been shown to help improve heart health in numerous ways, including: reducing stress and anxiety5, improve blood pressure, helping normalize cholesterol levels 6, reducing inflammation, and increasing heart rate variability7.

Qigong Supports Healthy Immune Function

Qigong has been proven in several studies to enhance immunity.

For example, in one study participants underwent a qigong training program led by a instructor. The trainings consisted of a half hour practice daily for one month.

Blood samples were drawn from all subjects the day before and the day after the experiment to measure immunological parameters such as leukocytes and immunoglobluins.

The results: after one month of daily practice, participants experienced statistically significant positive changes in their immune blood markers, compared to those who did not practice qigong daily8.

Another study showed an improved antibody response to the flu shot in those practicing regular qigong, compared to those who were not9.

Again, this is just a small glimpse into the many ways qigong can improve your overall physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

It is easy to get started with qigong. There are meetup groups in most cities. You can also find qigong classes at yoga and/or fitness studios, martial arts studios, community centers, senior centers, extension courses through local universities. Colleges of acupuncture and traditional oriental medicine often offer classes to the public. There are many different forms and teachers. You may want to visit different classes and see who you resonate with. The key is to have fun, go with the flow, and enjoy allowing this practicing to guide you to new discoveries within. As you practice qigong and let what no longer serves you melt away, you might amaze yourself with….YOU!

In upcoming posts, I will share more about my journey with qigong, the wonderful teachers who I have had the privilege to study with, and specific qigong exercises to get you started. In the meantime, until you find that local class, you can get started with one of the most powerful and well-known qigong poses which can assist in increasing energy, focus, and creativity. Click here to get your qi on!

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January 5, 2020 0 comment
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Transforming the Effects of Trauma with Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine

by Dr. Patricia January 2, 2020

In the many years of clinical practice, leading workshops, and from other incredible opportunities to meet people from all over the world, many people have shared their experiences with me regarding the effects of trauma in their lives. I am honored and humbled that many have allowed me to participate in some way in the healing process regarding this vulnerable area of their lives.

Trauma truly impacts most of us at some level and is often a contributing factor involved in many health challenges.

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, unresolved trauma gets stored in our bodies where it festers and eventually contributes to a variety of mental, emotional, and physical concerns.

Think of trauma like a toxin or poison that the body stores as long as it can to protect you, until eventually that toxin becomes too much for the body to contain.

Fortunately, Traditional Chinese Medicine has an excellent track record in helping patients release the effects of trauma from the body without having to relive the event(s)–and there’s an abundance supporting the success of treatment.

In fact, acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine have been studies to be effective in treating the following trauma-related mental health challenges:

  • Anxiety1
  • Depression2
  • Depression in pregnancy3
  • Neuropsychiatric disorders including depression, schizophrenia, and insomnia4
  • Whiplash-associated disorder5
  • PTSD6

How acupuncture works on trauma

One of the key points why Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine can be so effective on trauma is because they do not separate the mind and body when it comes to healing.

If you present to a Chinese Medicine Doctor with a physical health issue or Western diagnosis, he or she will also address the emotional and psychological aspects of your health.

To the trained TCM practitioner, trauma is always apparent in the physical symptoms of the body,  which are such helpful clues as this allows for the patient and practitioner to work together to resolve that trauma without having to unearth and/or drag the patient back through the details.

This approach can be very empowering and effective, as it allows healing to occur even if the patient isn’t consciously aware of the trauma…which so many of us are not.

How acupuncture actually works on trauma

When formulating a treatment plan to address stress, anxiety, depression, or repressed emotional trauma in a patient, I focus the treatment on specific points that balance the nervous system, help re-calibrate the brain, regulate the endocrine system, and calm what’s known as the “Shen”—which governs the heart.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) views trauma as causing  a shock to the heart meridian,  physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

In  Western medicine, this phenomenon is now known as “Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy, or “Broken Heart Syndrome”7).

This shock wave depletes the heart’s “yin”, which in this case means its ability self-regulate efficiently,  to rest and be calm. Yin deficiency can be at the root of health concerns such as poor heart function, back pain, sluggish circulation, menstrual difficulties, menopausal symptoms, chronic fatigue, and vision problems and emotional challenges such as restlessness, burnout, anxiety, and agitation.

By calming the “Shen” we seek to soothe and heal the person’s whole heart.

Ear Acupuncture for PTSD

While every patient requires different points on the body to address the physical and emotional aspects of trauma, it is also common to focus on the ear points — known as auricular —for depression, anxiety and symptoms of PTSD.

Ear acupuncture has been so successful in helping people recovery from PTSD, that it’s being used in government programs to help rehabilitate soldiers.

The Military Stress Recovery Project (MSRP), launched by Acupuncturists Without Borders (AWB) offers free acupuncture to veterans and active duty soldiers with PTSD and their families.

The treatments are offered community-style (in a group setting) using a series of 5 needles placed in one ear.

The clinics have been very successful, with patients reporting significant decrease in PTSD symptoms such as stress, lack of energy, insomnia, nightmares, anxiety and depression, lack of mental clarity, and overall health8.

Research studies have backed up the efficacy of acupuncture for PTSD, 9, and the military is also using what’s know as “Battlefield Acupuncture” to help active duty soldiers in the field.

Given that it works so well for soldiers who have witnessed the horrors of war, more people are receiving acupuncture care to resolve personal traumas.

How Emotional Trauma Manifests as Dis-ease According to Traditional Chinese Medicine

While every patient will present a different picture of trauma, Traditional Chinese Medicine views how different emotions impact the physical body via the 5 organs or “elements” in specific ways.

Here are a few examples of how TCM views different emotional patterns in relation to physical ailments:

Wood Element: Liver/Gall Bladder (these organs tend to store significant stress)

Emotional associations: anger, irritability, stress, trouble unwinding, trouble letting go, being unreasonable, rash decision making

Physical associations:

  • Eye issues
  • Blood flow issues
  • Acid reflux
  • Indigestion
  • Flatulence
  • Constipation
  • General digestive complaints
  • Weight gain

Fire Element: Heart/Small Intestines

Emotional associations: lack of self-expression, lack of self-love, feelings of worthlessness, strong or uncontrollable emotions, personality disorders

Physical associations:

  • Sensory disorders
  • Abdominal pain
  • Digestive issues
  • Heart and circulation problems
  • Lack of appetite
  • Gurgling sounds in abdomen
  • IBS

Earth Element: Spleen/Stomach

Emotional associations: chronic stress, worry, anxiety, overthinking, negative thoughts

Physical associations:

  • Poor appetite
  • Loose bowels
  • Feeling overly full after eating
  • Pale complexion
  • Thyroid complaints
  • Fluid imbalance
  • Poor immunity
  • Blood sugar issues

Metal: Lung/Large Intestine

Emotional associations:

Sadness, grief, fear of something bad happening, emotional baggage, quick to cry/inability to process sadness or grief, depression

Physical associations:

  • Hair loss
  • Asthma
  • COPD
  • Seasonal allergies
  • Weak immunity
  • Constipation
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath

Water: Kidney/Urinary Bladder

Emotional associations: fear, panic attacks, anxiety

Physical disease associated with kidney/urinary bladder imbalance:

  • Ear problems such as tinnitus, ear infections, hearing problems
  • UTIs
  • Kidney stones
  • Bone health issues
  • Brittle nails
  • Rashes or skin conditions

How to get started healing trauma with acupuncture

First off, it’s important to recognize that while traumas can leave us feeling wounded and broken, in healing them we can experience very positive transformations.

One of my favorite quotes on this comes from pioneering trauma therapy expert, Dr. Peter A. Levine, who says:

“The paradox of trauma is that it has both the power to destroy and the power to transform and resurrect.”

It is important to find a trauma-informed acupuncturist who you trust. While an acupuncturist will not replace a psychologist or mental health professional, he or she can be a valuable part of the team guiding you through your healing process.

And the body never lies; which means you won’t have to dredge up or relive any painful events while on the table.

Rather, we’ll simply work on releasing the physical issue, which in turn, allows the release of the associated emotional trauma and the empowerment and healing of the individual.

In over 25 years of practicing Traditional Chinese Medicine, supporting patients in transforming the effects of trauma has been among the most rewarding experiences, as I am honored to witness them uncovering gifts and power inside themselves that often allows them to blossom so magnificently,  often living lives beyond what they thought was possible.

January 2, 2020 0 comment
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About Dr. Patricia

About Dr. Patricia

Hi, I'm Dr. Patricia Fitzgerald. I have always been very curious...

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