Chinese practice of Qigong helps calm nervous system

RAPID CITY, S.D. — Qigong is an energy work and a branch of old Chinese medicine that is still used today.

Greg Carder, co-owner of Thrive Acupuncture & Wellness, says, “Slow movement, and meditative movement – is calming to the nervous system.”

Powerful yet simple, a Qigong practice typically involves moving meditation, slow-flowing movement, rhythmic breathing, and a calm meditative state of mind.

It can be used like a physical therapy but also helps with certain health issues. It increases the flow of blood and energy in meridians used in acupuncture to nourish all parts of the body.

Carder says, “One of the ways we experience chi is sensation in our body – sensation comes from movement, right, its movement of blood and fluids usually in our body right but it’s also, from the perspective of Chinese medicine, it’s actually chi right there is actually something that moves the blood and the fluids.”

This mind-body-spirit practice has potential to improve one’s mental and physical health by integrating the three strands – posture, breathing technique and mental focus – each making the other strands stronger.

Carder says, “Chinese medicine and Qigong and Tai Chi are about maintaining health – they are about maintaining balance. They train are ability to coordinate our body and be in touch with how we are moving and so in one-way, everyday things it helps with ya know. “

It is based on repetitions of very precise sets of movements, specifically designed to benefit health on many different levels.

Greg had a chronic illness and when nothing else worked he began incorporating Qigong and says it helped with managing the pain and his overall health, saying, “I had to do a practice that would help my body heal and became aware that a lot of my illness had to do with being really stressed and so Qigong really became the avenue for me to kind of calm my own nervous system down and live you know a more balanced life.”

The practice of maintaining health and balance can be incorporated into everyday life.

Qigong is a six week series. The first session is free.

Michaela and Greg Carder, owners of Thrive Acupuncture & Wellness, are bringing the medicine they love to the Black Hills. They aim to make healthcare about thriving through acupuncture, herbs and Qigong.

Greg Carder, co-owner of Thrive Acupuncture and Wellness talks about the difference in Qi Gong and Tai Chi.