In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) there is no separation between the physical body, the mind, and the spirit. Each acupuncture point needled and every herbal formula taken is meant to address the individual’s unique patterns of disharmony on the levels of the physical, the emotional, the mental, and the spiritual. The guiding principles of TCM were developed by ancient practitioners over 2,000 years ago through observation of nature. From observation and experience over centuries the art of Chinese medicine evolved. The first practitioners of acupuncture and Chinese medicine mapped out channels in the body where the qi (or energy/lifeforce) flows and accumulates. Imagine rivers of energy flowing through the body. The channels that the Chinese (and Indian) practitioners envisioned flow along lines of fascia and nerve tracts that Western medical anatomy discovered through dissection. The acupuncture channels are NOT the same as fascial planes and nerve tracts, but they have a lot of similarities in terms of location in the body. The idea behind acupuncture is to stimulate an acupuncture point to trigger the body into acting. The World Health Organization has deemed acupuncture appropriate for a wide variety of issues including: stress, depression, headache, PMS, insomnia, nausea, addictions, and various types of pain such as back, neck, sciatica, facial, knee, and elbow.
Qigong is based on traditional Chinese medicine principles, which state that qi, or energy, is present in everyone’s body. Qigong uses simple poses and breathing patterns to promote a healthy flow of qi. Proper flow of qi can help the body engage its own healing processes. The literal translation of qigong is “to work with qi.” The benefits of practicing qigong include a reduction in symptoms of depression, a decrease in stress, a boost in immune responses, and a decrease in chronic fatigue.
Join Lauren Mund for Finding Center Amid Chaos Through Chinese Medicine and Qigong on December 3rd at 10:00 AM. In this hour-long workshop, participants will be introduced to Chinese medical philosophy & physical exercises to help participants become aligned with the natural rhythms of life and more centered. As a result of understanding the philosophy and practicing the exercises they will be more able to cope with daily stresses. $35 investment per person. $25 of the investment will be donated to Family Promises of Southern Delaware at the request of Lauren Mund.