Cultivation

CULTIVATION

How often do we hear the words “Oh, I really need to get more exercise.” Pretty often. Our lifestyle has limited physical work. We recognize the need for movement and the risks of stasis. We understand the benefit of cultivating harmony daily - it can be said this is our profession.

Is it important that an acupuncturist practice qigong? That's individual. Does such practice affect the quality of the treatment we give? It is a pillar of support..

I feel fortunate that qigong training can be considered an integral part of my work as an acupuncturist. Teaching qigong is incidental; more important is the confidence that daily qigong practice will keep me growing as a practitioner. I confess to being only a poor student of the Classics, but I am grateful that Traditional Oriental Medicine offers the chance to nourish my skills not only by reading, but also by studying qi directly.

I practice Japanese Meridian Therapy, in particular the styles of the Toyohari Association and of Shudo Denmai. The crux of a session is the “root treatment,” that is supplementing 2 five phase points. The technique used is non-insertion or superficial insertion (< 1mm.), and there is no retention; the needle is removed when the arrival of qi is sensed. Stance, intention, and quiet attention to the tip of the needle are all important. Cultivating qi daily fosters development of these qualities.

I often reflect that senior Japanese teachers who have wonderful skill really don't appear to make as much effort while working as I feel I do. Their relaxation is impressive. The lesson here is the importance of intention. It is enough to use the Yi, the intellect, to direct qi: Yi leads Qi. Qigong is supportive; just as muscles are strengthened by use, qigong strengthens our generation of harmony and unity through intention. Attachment to self and the chatter of the “monkey mind” shrinks. Great practitioners do cultivate a clear mental state in some way. As Ikeda Masakazu said in seminar “don't make the mistake of thinking you are doing something;” the idea being to just get out of the way.

Active qigong practice develops free and easy circulation of qi. Tranquil qigong develops physical stillness that supports awareness during treatment. Regardless of the form, what matters is practicing daily. Standing meditation (zhanzhuang) is an excellent core practice. It originates in the oldest Buddhist and Taoist practices. The Yiquan Master Wang Xiangzhai (1885-1963) recommended “pile standing”as the preferred form of exercise. It is exercise without movement; the intention is simply to relax and sink the qi to the lower abdomen. While the body is still, internal processes become more active. All body parts and functions tend toward working in harmony; the Yi directs attention to the lower abdomen without grasping and the Shen becomes calm. In Western exercise the sympathetic nervous system is dominant; in standing meditation parasympathetic functions become dominant: respiration is deeper and slower, heart rate slows, peripheral circulation increases, peristalsis increases. The directions for standing are simple, but anyone who has tried it knows its not easy!

We want to do the very best we can when giving treatments. Years of study and practice contract to a few minutes of analysis, decision and action. We may not know the outcome of our efforts for some time, but if we feel confident that our execution of the fundamentals is correct, we are comforted. This is a benefit of qigong cultivation, to build sensitivity, awareness, calm, and skill in handling our little magic wand, the needle.