Qigong acupuncture

Yuxia Qiu

This article discusses qigong methods that enhance acupuncture practice. It is an original work based upon
classical and contemporary Chinese literature that has been synthesized through clinical practice. Point
location and needling techniques with qigong are both addressed. As a matter of definition, acupuncture is
a technique that is used to regulate a human being’s qi using needles. Qigong is a method of regulating a
human being’s qi through the discipline of physical, breathing and mental exercises. These two methods of
patient care may be used in various combinations in order to improve outcomes through what is called
“qigong acupuncture”.

The earliest descriptions of ‘qigong acupuncture’ are found in the Inner Classic where shen and ‘regulating
mind’ (zhi shen) are discussed. Shen is defined as both ‘mind’ and ‘substances’ depending on the context.
For example, shen indicates mind in the statement, “[the practitioner] concentrates their shen in the heart to
know the pathogenesis and prognosis” (Niu, 1996 -c). The notion of substance is reflected in the statement
“shen is the essence of foods and drinks”(Niu, 1996 -b). Further, “the so called points are where shen qi
travels, enters and exits the body” (Niu, 1996 -a). In the context of qigong, this shen is a substance
suggesting ‘internal qi’ and ‘external qi.’ The Inner Classic also states that inferior doctors treat the
physical body, while the superior doctors regulate shen as both the mind and qi (Niu, 1996 -a).

Qigong acupuncture has three clinical uses:

1. Precision point location through qigong methods.

2. To stimulate or regulate the qi of patient through needling techniques. This is commonly known as de qi
or getting the qi sensation. Good qi sensation generates good effect, while no qi sensation means poor
effect.
3. The acupuncturist who is also a good qigong practitioner regulates their shen and qi, and emits qi to the
patient through the hands and needles, invigorating and regulating the patient’s qi. This method is the
narrowly defined ‘qigong acupuncture.’

Qigong point location:

Precise location of the points is essential to good outcomes. It affects the qi sensation and thereafter the
therapeutic effect. Through what is called the ‘qigong point locating method,’ one can locate the point
much more correctly.

Most acupuncture points have some common characteristics:

1. Location in the spaces. These are between the muscles, between tendons and in the depression
around the joints.
2. Pressure on the point provides certain relief. When there is disorder of certain channel or organ,
the sensitivity of the corresponding points will be higher.
3. It is important to note that the location of these sensitive points is not fixed. On the contrary, the
location varies slightly with a person’s body condition and disorder.

First, locate the approximate location of the point based on the description in acupuncture books and
classics. For greater precision, the qigong point locating method can be used to locate the reactive point.
Focus on the touch while pressing and moving around the point with the fingers, at the same time, emit qi
to penetrate inside the skin or muscle (see next section, Getting the Qi Sensation.) When there is a certain
change of the sensation on fingers, it is the right location of the point (Xu, 1989).

The sensations may vary depending on the case. There may be a feeling of a round ball, round ring, a hole
with pulling force deep inside, or a resisting sensation. Often there is a sensation distinct from the
surrounding tissue. When the sensations are felt, one can also determine whether the channel or organ is
depleted or excess. Resistance or hard sensations usually indicate excess while an empty feeling indicates
depletion.

Getting the Qi sensation

Qi sensation is critical for achieving good therapeutic effect in acupuncture treatment. Acupuncture
analgesia and other therapeutic effect are dependant upon good qi sensation. Failure to get good qi
sensation results from the following: (1) incorrect point location; (2) improper needle depth—either too
deep or too shallow; (3) patient has a weak constitution; (4) the practitioner is not able to regulate the shen
and qi.

Stimulation of the needle invigorates the qi of the point, which in turn invigorates the qi of the channels and
organs. This regulates function and affects the whole body. The transformation of qi in the points is subtle.
Regulate the shen before inserting the needle in order to catch and control the subtle transformations of qi.
The Inner Classic stresses that the practitioners should “know how to cultivate their body” (Niu, 1996 -d).
This requires practitioner self care through the Dao of health care and the practice qigong to regulate shen.

Prior to acupuncture, the practitioner must regulate the shen, transcend the environment in order to feel the
internal qi movement of self and the patient. When control of the qi of self and the patient is achieved,
acupuncture treatment can begin.

The change of qi will be visible and clearly noticed if the mind is highly concentrated on the qi without
distractions from the outside world. It is as if staying solely in a remote quiet room with the door closed
unaffected by other things. The qi sensation may be like the classical description of the ’fish biting the bait’
or similar metaphors such as ‘birds flying,’ ‘grass growing,’ or ‘ocean wave surging.’ The best qi
sensations are those of the qi being guided to the affected area through the use of points that are local, close
to the affected area, or far from the affected area.

Through qigong the patient’s qi can be regulated more effectively. Practitioners of acupuncture who
practice qigong will have greater efficacy through regulating the qi at will. After getting the qi sensation,
regulating, supplementing and draining methods can be applied to improve the effect. The outcomes are
improved when the mind of the practitioner is engaged in addition to the technique.

Qigong Acupuncture Techniques:

These are some commonly used qigong acupuncture techniques:

Qian Dui Li Zhen Xun Kan Gen Kun

1. The wu ji method is as follows. After insertion, thrust the needle to the desired depth.
Then keeping the fingers on the handle, concentrate on the needle as if holding a tiger,
 and guide qi of the practitioner through needle to the patient’s point to invigorate the qi of
patient. Retain for 20 minutes. This method is an even method without supplementing or
draining. It is suitable for disorders that are neither deficient nor excess. The aim is to
improve homeostasis (Zhang, 1981).
2. The tai chi method is as follows. After insertion of the needle, keeping the fingers on the
handle to feel the qi in the points, and following the qi’s movement to spontaneously
move the needle. This involves following the qi to move needle to different directions, or
different depth to harmonize, supplement or drain the qi in the point and the body. Once
the qi is balanced, withdraw the needle or retain the needles for another 20 minutes.
3. The bagua (eight fundamental) methods are as follows.
3.1 The supplementing method involves sending the qi. After the patient feels the qi
sensation, and the practitioner feels the qi inside the point, if loose, then thrust the needle
deeper and guide qi down into the point.
3.2 The draining method uses a drawing technique. After the patient feels the qi sensation,
then the practitioner feels the qi inside the point. If it is tight, then lift the needle slightly
and at the same time draw the qi up outside the point.
3.3 The warming method: After the patient feels the qi sensation, press the points with left
hand forcefully, with the right hand rotate the needle clockwise while pushing slightly 3-
5 times continually, entwining the fibers of tissue until the needle is gripped firmly,
thrusting forcefully and lifting gently 3-5 times continually, then rotate forward while
pushing 3-5 times continually, then push the needle tip to maintain qi for several minutes,
unwind the fibers of tissue and withdraw the needle slowly, close the hole quickly (Lu,
1995).
3.4 The cooling method: After the patient feels the qi sensation, with the right hand rotate the
needle counter-clockwise while lifting slightly 3-5 times continually, entwining the fibers
of tissue until the needle is gripped firmly, thrusting gently and lifting forcefully 3-5
times continually, then rotate backward while lifting 3-5 times continually, then pull the
needle tip to maintain qi for several minutes, unwind the fibers of tissue and withdraw the
needle quickly without close the hole (Lu, 1995).
3.5 The regulating method. After the patient feels the qi sensation, then the practitioner rotate
the needle back and forth or move the needle up and down with light stimulation, and
with intention. This will regulate and harmonize the qi.
3.6 The dredging method refers to dredging the channels. After the patient feels the qi
sensation, emit qi through the needle along the channel to the affected area. Assist by
pressing the fingers above or below the point and emit qi through fingers inside the
channel. This will free the qi flow of the channel.
3.7 The scattering method. Once the patient feels distension that doesn’t disperse and the
needle feels tight, then press the thumb on the needle handle moving it lightly with
intension. It is as if a bird has landed on the tree branches, which cause the branches to
move. This move is performed with the intension of dispersing and spreading qi. This
method is suitable for local qi and blood stagnation (Liu, 1982).
3.8 The connecting method. After needling the single primary point, feel where the qi stops
or palpate along the channel or around the point searching for where the qi stops. Then
needle the second point and use either the supplementing, draining or regulating methods

Qigong acupressure can also be used instead of needles. Press the points while guide qi inside the point.
The index or middle fingers are used with light pressure on the point. Qi is used during the pressure instead
of strong force.

To be able to practice these qigong acupuncture techniques, a practitioner need to be able to control their
mind through emptying and concentration. For all the methods under discussion, it is important for the
practitioner to guide qi to the hand and fingers while performing the techniques.

In Closing
Effective patient care is a complex endeavor. It is necessary to understand the patient’s disease history,
etiology, personality and environment. Psychological factors are also important, such as guiding the patient
with language and other means to remove negative emotions so they can relax and enjoy the treatment. It is
also important to encourage the patient to open to the treatment in order to enhance confidence in the safety
and outcomes. The practitioner’s language and mannerisms are essential for successful outomes. A level of
confidence is first acquired during the interview. The patient will continue to feel more comfortable as they
develop the ability to communicate with the practitioner more freely. It is also important to encourage the
patient to relax their body and empty the mind before insertion of the needles.

During acupuncture, the practitioner must closely observe the patient’s shen. If the patient is calm and is
relaxed with the treatment, a good qi sensation can be more easily achieved. Otherwise, if the patient has
doubt, anxiety, or fear, then the qi sensation and the therapeutic effect will be diminished.

Qigong methods of point location and needling techniques will improve clinical outcomes. The qi moves
and changes in terms of the points on the channels. Follow the qi to perform needling techniques and your
success will improve!

References:

Liu, T. (1982). A basic introduction to acupuncture methods ‘guiding qi through the manipulation of
needles.’ a selection of chinese acupuncture techniques. Shenyang: Liaoning university of
traditional Chinese medicine press.
Lu, S. (1995). A compedium of a hundred of acupuncture techniques. Beijing: Chinese press of traditional
Chinese medicine.
Niu, B. (1996 -a). Ling shu chapter 1 jiu zhen shi er yuan. Shijiangzhuang: Hebei science and technology
publishing company.
Niu, B. (1996 -b). Ling shu chapter 32 ping ren jue gu. Shijiangzhuang: Hebei science and technology
publishing company.
Niu, B. (1996 -c). Su wen chapter 8 ling lan mi dian lun. Shijiangzhuang: Hebei science and technology
publishing company.
Niu, B. (1996 -d). Su wen chapter 25 bao ming quan xing lun. Shijiangzhuang: Hebei science and
technology publishing company.
Xu, S. (1989). Qigong acupuncture, acupressure and massage. Beijing: China Friendship Publishing
Company.
Zhang, T. (1981). An interdisciplinary approach to clinical acupuncture and qigong (9 ed.). Hang zhou:
Zhejiang journal of traditional Chinese medicine.