The most powerful Qi energy work uses acupressure points to enable energy to flow easily. These Qi building points have a high electrical conductivity at the surface of the skin and thus conduct the body’s energy most effectively. Discover how to apply the same points and principles as acupuncture –using the power and sensitivity of the human hand instead of needles. Learn to develop your life force Qi energy and relieve a range of emotional complaints and common ailments such as depression, anxiety, headaches, backache, insomnia, nausea, carpel tunnel, and many more.

The same Qi building practices of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is pivotal for practicing Martial Arts, Asian bodywork therapies and massage healing techniques. Acupressure, an ancient healing art developed in Asia over 5,000 years ago, is effective in the relief of stress-related ailments, in self-care and in preventive health care. Acupressure Qi points releases tension, increases circulation, reduces pain and develops vibrant health. For more information, see Michael Reed Gach’s book, Acupressure’s Potent Points: A Self-Care Guide for Common Complaints from A to Z.

Universal Qi Energy: The Chinese call the life force – Qi.  In Japan, the Qi force is termed Ki, while Yoga practices refer to the life force as prana or pranic energy.  These terms all relate to the same universal Qi energy, which exists in our environment, and links us to all forms of life.  Qi energy blockage, on the other hand, can be traced to the root of all problems, imbalances, and diseases.          
           

The Qi Force – Source of the Life:  Qi energy flow nourishes the human spirit and gives us the ability to concentrate; its the basis of creativity, and the healing energy of our body.  Qi is the force of nature that moves in invisible currents and healing pathways through all matter.  Qi connects everything.  The primordial Qi force of nature creates mountains, governs the ocean currents, flow of rivers, and weather patterns.  Qi force gives trees their uprightness and their diversity in branching toward the sky.  The movement of Qi can be seen in molecules, elements, the landscape, and within the human body this life force circulates through Qi energy channels called meridians.
           

Body Qi & the Life Force: Within all living animals are Qi meridian pathways.  These life force channels govern the functions of all systems of the human body.  The way Qi energy flows through the meridians presides over wellness or dis-ease imbalances.  For instance, a Qi blockage can cause numbness, pressure, spasm, and many kinds of aches and pains.  Thus, when Qi blockage occurs, the inhibited energy flow can result in all kinds of human suffering, however the flow of the Qi force can contribute to happiness when the Qi energy flows.
           

Qi Factors Affecting the Human Body: The Qi energy flow reflects our state of mind, how we feel, how we think, and breathe.  Conversely, negative thoughts can block the Qi flow, just as positive thoughts can build Qi.  A Qi blockage effects our stress, the way we eat food, and how it gets digested.  Sleep patterns and disorders are also a result of how the Qi flows. Qi blockage can result from stress, trauma and injuries.  In extreme Qi imbalances – mental, emotional or physical problems may occur. 
           

Qi Energy of Traditional Chinese Medicine is based upon the interplay of two polar opposites, creating a vibratory movement and Qi energy flow.  These polar life energy forces, referred to as yin and yang, follow natural laws fundamental for all martial art and healing art principles.        
           

Qi Used in Martial Arts & Healing Arts: The foundation of the Asian Martial Arts and the healing arts focuses on how Qi flows.  Both Martial Arts and the Healing Arts channel and build Qi for strengthening and enhancing their practices.  Martial Artists use the Qi force for self-dense, physical power, and other ways of moving Qi externally.  The healing arts channel the Qi energy force for healing purposes internally.  Both practices benefit from the cultivation of Qi – through exercise, diet, and creative, positive visualizations.  Once a Martial Artist masters how to use Qi for self-defense, a skilled warrior will also learn how to use Qi to heal an opponent.

Cultivating Qi: Building Qi, developing its healing potential, and strengthening the flow of the Qi force has been high priorities in the Chinese culture since ancient times.  Qi Gong uses special internal healing exercises and meditations for building Qi, cultivating the life force and channeling it throughout the body.  By strengthening Qi within your body -- through Qi Gong or Martial Art breathing exercises, you can use the heightened Qi force for healing yourself and others.