General Interest:

1. What is qigong?
Qigong is a term used to describe a large variety of meditations, exercises, breathing techniques, life habits, healing modalities, treatment protocols, spiritual beliefs and more. It includes qigong as an exercise and qigong as qi-emission therapy. Under the category of Chinese energetics that are related to qigong we also find feng shui, Chinese astrology and Taoist practices to name a few. The actual definition of qigong is “the practice of energy cultivation over time”.

2. What is qi?
氣 “Qi” (pronounced “chee”) means “energy”. Qi has several implied translations including “breath”, “air”, “mist”, “steam” and more. But simply stated it’s the particular energy of an object. It is believed that all objects have energy, including people, animals, plants, in short: anything contained on the Earth and everything contained in the Heavens.

3. What is Medical Qigong?
Medical qigong is the application of the wisdom of energy for the purpose of healing. The term medical qigong is very modern and can mean either

qigong exercises for health, AND OR
qi-emission therapy for the purpose of healing.

4. What are qigong exercises?
Qigong exercises are movements which blend body posture, breathing patterns and mental visualizations. In general qigong movements can be practiced for more than just health, but we focus on the health aspects of qigong. Qigong “exercises” can also be divided into dynamic or static. Dynamic qigong basically means with actual movement, like taichi. A great example of static qigong is meditation.

5. What is qi emission therapy?
Qi emission therapy is the name we use to describe a healing modality called medical qigong therapy. It is a type of “energy work”. Qi emission therapy implies the transmission of energy from a practitioner to a patient. Generally, this is mostly done for health purposes.

Qigong Therapy:

1. What is medical qigong therapy?
Medical Qigong Therapy is the name we use to describe a healing modality which involves emitting qi from a practitioner to a patient. It is a type of “energy work”. Qigong therapy has been used for thousands of years. It is the “father” of acupuncture. Therefore, the theories used to diagnose and treat with qi are very similar, and in many cases identical, to those used by an acupuncturist, however, we don’t use needles. Qi emission therapy is the transmission of energy from a practitioner to a patient. Generally, this is mostly done for health purposes.

2. What happens during a medical qigong therapy session?
Generally, we start the first session with determining the reason you are seeking treatment with medical qigong. It includes an intake (medical history) which can be done verbally or written depending on the complexity of the situation. For example, a person seeking stress relief will have considerably less intake time than a person who has multiple chronic symptoms. After the intake is complete, an energetic reading is taken on the client’s body. This is done with the person lying on a massage table, fully clothed, while the practitioner runs their hands over the wei qi fields (aura). After the practitioner understands the clients energetic imprint, then the treatment begins. Treatments are generally a combination of energy work, sound therapy, light/color therapy, guided visualizations, and the use of moxa, cupping, massaging, or magnets as necessary. No two sessions are ever identical and not all of the methods above are used during every session. Each session is tailored to find the most effective method for treating the condition presented.

3. Who can benefit from medical qigong therapy?
Everyone can benefit! In fact, I have clients who are very experienced practitioners of meditation or highly accomplished spiritual leaders; they come to keep their energetic fields as clean as possible. Qigong therapy is great for “maintenance” as a monthly routine to keep the qi flowing. But qigong therapy addresses very serious medical conditions as well. We treat everything from migraines to cancer. Our specialty is in chronic conditions which have otherwise not found a sustainable solution. We treat disorders all the systems of the body.

4. I’d like to come, but why are your therapy treatment rates so high?
At $75 per hour we are at the average rate for bodywork in the Atlanta-metro area. Naturally, sustaining the costs of being in business means that we must charge for our services. We do offer sliding scale or pro-bono for people committed to their healing who may not be able to afford the fees. Our rates have actually gone down since 2008; back then, the rate for 1 hour medical qigong therapy was $125.

5. I see you have a lot of experience and seem to have great credentials, so why are your therapy treatment rates so low?
We feel that healthcare should not be limited to the elite, and that everyone should have access to treatment. We are committed to helping people in need. Our services are offered out a deep commitment to be of service.

6. Both of you are Priests, why aren’t your services free?
The healing services are offered the same as any other healthcare practitioner, businesses cost money to run, so we charge. When we perform services under the capacity of priest, then any funds received are by donation.

Qigong Classes:

1. What is a qigong movement class like?
Qigong classes include standing dynamic qigong exercises, breathing practices such as deep abdominal breathing, and meditations. Qigong movements are very similar to Taichi in that they tend to be slow. Qigong exercises combine posture, breath and intention into a moving meditation practice. Every class is different and we try to mix it up so that you are always learning something new. Classes are adaptable by the teacher for all levels of experience. Everyone is welcome to attend. Qigong classes are 60 minutes.

2. What do I bring?
Yourself and a bright smile! Really, just wear comfortable clothing. Doesn’t have to be a yoga inspired outfit, plain sweats and a t-shirt are fine. We normally wear shoes so plan on something that grips your feet like sneakers, sandals are not recommended. We do most of our qigong standing up and do not need special equipment. But, we have yoga mats at the studio for when we lie down for breathing or meditating.

3. What if I have an injury or need special attention?
No problem. Our instructors are capable of easily adapting the qigong to your capacity. Qigong exercises can be modified for small injuries up to post-surgery. I even had a client come in for classes just a few weeks after open heart surgery! The good news is, with consistent qigong practice you’ll be moving right along with everyone else in no time!