Qigong Yoga

One of the most diverse alternative treatments is the ancient Eastern practice of qigong. Like most other Eastern medicines, qigong focuses on a person's qi, or energy, because it is believed that an imbalance in one's qi is what causes illness and injury. Qigong uses a variety of techniques in order to enhance and maintain the proper balance of qi, and one of the most popular of these techniques is the practice of exercises and qigong yoga.

Yoga is often used in Eastern healing because it not only helps to physically strengthen the body, but it is also believed to have a profound effect on the mind as well. Where qigong yoga differs is that it aims to influence a person's qi through the practice in addition to their physical and mental well-being.

Qigong yoga works similarly to most forms of yoga except that it focuses heavily on how it can affect a person's energy through the uses of different postures (called asanas), stretching, breathing exercises, and meditation. It is believed that by regularly practicing yoga and other qigong therapies that patients can maintain a healthy balance of qi, which is the goal of most Eastern practices--prevention over treatment.

However, like any new therapy, it is important to consult with your primary care provider before you begin practicing qigong yoga to ensure you are healthy enough for this or any other new treatment.