MEDICAL QIGONG FOREST THERAPY

Medical Qigong Forest Therapy is a journey of connection. A connection to nature and more importantly connecting to yourself, your true authentic self.

In today’s world we find ourselves in an environment filled with distractions and an endless array of stimulation. We wear shoes that keep us disconnected from the earth's energy and most of us do not work in an environment that involves being in nature. We lead a more sedentary lifestyle which as we age leads to all sorts of health issues keeping you from the activities we love to do.

Medical Qigong is the exercises that a traditional Chinese Medicine Doctor or a Medical Qigong instructor would prescribe for treating and prevention of diseases. These gentle and easy movements of Qigong help with getting rid of the creeks and little aches and pains before you forest bathe. This is needed for your forest walk as those little aches and pains can keep you distracted. Being distracted keeps your adrenaline up so you might not be able to drop your cortisol levels enough to get the full benefits of being in the woods.

Stress and cortisol inhibit many hormone conversions, like T4 to T3 in the thyroid. Traditional Chinese Medicine considers emotions as the primary cause of physical ailments. Medical Qigong helps in the release of these emotions which can have massive positive effects on your health. Other than exercises, there are different meditations. Medical and standing meditations would be great for you to bathe in the forest.

Imagine being there able to hear the birds singing in the trees, the stream rushing near you, the feel of the light breeze on you cheeks and how it moves the leaves so ever gently.

How does that make you feel? Do you feel that stillness and not a worry in the world? Breathe in that vibrant air and know that every breath is healing you as you stand there. Wow, healing without effort!

Imagine taking your shoes and socks off and just standing in one of those meditative stances. You will immediately feel a slight shift as earthing/grounding helps align your bodies energy. Just imagine how powerful, free, and loved you will feel with this rush of loving energy from Mother Earth as it rushes in through your K1- Bubbling Spring acupuncture point. Just sit in its Brilliance for a while as your body, mind and soul heal and recharge. It is in these moments that breakthroughs happen because your mind is not cluttered with overthinking and stress.

Forest Therapy can be called Forest Bathing or “Shinrin-Yoku.” Shinrin-yoku phrase was coined in the 1980'

s in Japan as a way to lower the suicide rates and stress level of many people in the city environments. They convinced people to walk in the forests for a couple of hours or longer whenever they got the chance. They even set up guide stations for to help with this. Over time, studies were done and found that forests actually do heal. They give off Phytoncides that are the trees' natural defense against bugs and certain pathogens that are harmful to them. When we come in contact with these compounds it cause our bodies to produce more NK cells. Natural Killer (NK) cells are a type of white blood cell that are part of the innate immune system, playing a crucial role in destroying infected and cancerous cells without prior activation, unlike T and B cells.

Spending time in nature is an excellent way to reduce stress and in the USA, stress is a major contributing factor to the six leading causes of death. They are cancer, coronary heart disease, accidental injuries, respiratory disorders, and cirrhosis of the liver. Stress also leads to high blood pressure, stroke, obesity, diabetes, inflammation, and weakened immune system.

Medical Qigong Forest Therapy is a healing journey, and it will take you to places you never thought existed or were to afraid to ask. Healing does not need to be about pain, negativity or medication. Life should be enjoyed at every moment so make your healing fun and amazing. Learn how to say "hi" to yourself. I am sure you will like the true authentic you.

Coming soon to a forest near you.