Siouxland Magazine - Volume 3 Issue 6 - version 2

observe, for instance, a red blood cell under a microscope,
but they could see a deep connection between the heat
associated with our bodies’ circulatory system and the
heat of the Earthly summer. From these deep connections
found between the human body and the Earth, Qigong
developers made a medicinal movement practice that can
create harmony and balance on all levels of the human
form - mind, body, and spirit.
Qigong involves simple but prescriptive movements paired
with intentional breathing, which helps release blockages
in meridian channels and stimulate the flow of Qi. One
such example is a standing exercise where the practitioner
keeps the legs and feet planted while twisting the torso left
and right. The arms are allowed to remain somewhat slack
at the sides so that as the twist completes on one side, the
arms wrap around the body and one hand gently strikes
the chest on the opposite side, and the other hand strikes
the kidney area in the lower back. Intuitively, the strikes
stimulate the Qi, flow of Qi in the kidneys and lungs, as
well as their respective meridians. This flow of energy is
apparent with the invigorating buzzing at the kidney area,
lungs, and through the center of the body upon practicing
this movement.
Another example is also a standing exercise in which the
practitioner folds the torso over the legs (as much as is
accessible and bending the knees as needed) and collects
Earth Qi with the hands. The practitioner then comes back
to standing and pulls the Earth Qi in toward the center of
the body. The arms then extend overhead, embodying a
balance between the Earth and sky; giving and receiving.
This exercise has many benefits, including opening the
meridians in the back of the body and connecting with our
Earthly mother.
Each of these exercises can be done repetitively and in
series with other movements to create a flow with specific
benefits. For example, Qigong flows can work with opening
meridians, invigorating the body for morning, addressing
blockages in a single specific meridian, and always for
creating harmony of mind, body, and spirit.
This therapeutic movement style of Qigong works well with
a class of herbs called adaptogens, which are commonly
used medicinally alongside Qigong in Traditional Chinese
Medicine practices. These herbs support longevity during
the inevitable shifts in life such as changing jobs, seasons,
or schools.
Green Tea, especially of potent and integrous sourcing, is
known as one of the strongest natural antioxidants. This
means it can neutralize oxidizers from toxic substances
like cigarette smoke, over-consumption of alcohol, and
other pollutants that are common in day-to-day life. When
oxidation occurs on a cellular level it can lead to intense
dis-ease states like skin, lung, and stomach cancer or even
more mild dis-ease states like chronic inflammation and
high blood pressure. Green tea helps our bodies build antioxidation
protectors so we can have stronger cardiovascular
abilities and even reduce pain and inflammation.
Free radical fighting green tea is very high in antioxidants
which have many benefits.
Reishi Mushrooms have strong adaptogenic properties
as it helps regulate the body’s hormone levels during
stress. These days, many of us experience an extensive
gamut of stressors in our day-to-day lives. By monitoring
hormone secretions from what is known as the stress axis
(pituitary gland, hypothalamus, and adrenal glands}, Reishi
helps defend the body against excessive stress and its
consequential forms of dis-ease like low immune function,
fatigue, or chronic pain.
Red Chinese Ginseng is known to increase energy and
vitality while also supporting the immune system by
increasing the release of ACTH from the pituitary gland.
This a hormone that helps the body adapt to stress and
avoid burnout, as excessive stress can deplete energy
stores and immune function. This warming and stimulating
quality of red ginseng can help lift depression associated
with low energy levels (not necessarily low serotonin levels
or uptake), offering access to more passion and enjoyment
in life.
So, even with the many different medical advancements
available today, some of the most potent have been with
us for thousands of years, growing upon the ground which
we stand; or, as in the case of Qigong, the medicine is in our
own bodies.
Emily Larson, Licensed Massage Therapist, Private Yoga
Instructor, Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology & Human
Performance, Co-Teacher of Anatomy for massage
therapy students at the Bio Chi Institute, mother to Noah.
Photo Credit (left page) Dylan Freeman.
Photo Credit (right page) Emily Larson.
Siouxland Magazine | Balance /47