INTEGRATING MASSAGE AND QIGONG

It's a given. Massage is great for you and feels so good. Qigong is great for you and feels so good. So why not integrate the two?

As a Licensed Massage Therapist and a Certified Qigong Instructor I have often practiced qigong forms with clients at the conclusion of their time on the massage table or on the Thai mat. 

Why? I am offering self-care exercises to practice at home. I am encouraging clients to be an active part of their wellness journey. 

Let's look at the physical benefits of massage, as cited by the Mayo Clinic Health System (in bold font). I'll take the liberty of adding Qigong benefits (in italics):

• Improved Circulation
• Qigong encourages circulation of blood, lymph and Qi, the body's vital "electricity."
• Decreased muscle stiffness
• Moving and stretching muscles fibers, clearing blockages and softening adhesions.  
• Decreased joint inflammation
• Qigong creates space in the joints and encourages circulation around the joints.
• Better quality of sleep
• Lowering stress levels, grounding, centering and breathing, letting go of the day.
• Quicker recover between workouts
• Qigong stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, the "rest and digest" branch.
• Improved flexibility
• Stretching, twisting, turning, ringing out, bending, fluidly moving the spine, "swim like a dragon.".
• Less pain and soreness
• Release of healing endorphins, hormones produced in your brain that relieve pain and stress.
• Strengthened immune response
• The National Institute of Health cites positive influences of exercise on blood cells such as cytokines, neutrophils, leukocytes, lymphocytes... 

Mental Benefits:

• Reduced stress
• Qigong Slows us down, and helps us focus. Think meditation.
• Improved relaxation
• Let go, slow down, BREATHE!
• Improved mood
• Qigong is fun and empowering
• Decreased anxiety
• Here come those endorphins again. They improve your sense of well-being. You also take your focus away from negative thoughts by focusing on your breath, your posture and the movement of Qi. 
• More energy
• Qigong carries oxygen and nutrients to your tissues and helps your cardiovascular system work more efficiently. Healthy heart and lungs, more energy. 
• Increased feeling of wellness
• You are literally and figuratively taking steps that empower you: "I am taking care of myself, playing an active part in my wellness journey."

The "take-away?" Massage is therapeutic on many levels and feels great. 

Qigong is a movement and breathing practice you can use to take care of your body, mind and spirit.

Time for an example. I enjoy videos by Karen Soo. I've posted this in a previous blog article. It includes chickens. Fun! 

Visit Sonlight Health & Wellness to enjoy an integrated massage and qigong session.

I wish you happiness and good health.