Whether we realize it or not, our bodies have the capability and resources for self-healing. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is one branch of medicine that attributes most illnesses to our bodies/minds being out of harmony with the natural flow of the world we live in. Our energy becomes stagnant, blocked, weak, or excessive. Qigong is fundamental in achieving that harmony.
Research indicates that Qigong originated in China around the second millennium BCE. Qigong is also part of the Taoist and Buddhist “contemplative traditions.” Qigong means “energy cultivation”, the life-force that “permeates our physical body”. There are thousands of Qigong practices aimed at using, restoring, and increasing our internal energy. Self-healing is one of the most important and desired of Qigong practices.
In TCM and Qigong, great emphasis is placed on strengthening and harmonizing the “organism” so that it/they can heal themselves. Our thoughts, emotions, and physical health are all connected. When we are sick or in pain, it is often a sign that our “internal world is not properly supported by our external reality.” This pain or illness could be related to any number of things: our relationships, our diet, the environment we live in, etc.
According to the old Masters, our hands have very special healing properties. That should come as no surprise to us. Think of a parent’s hands calming a child, a massage therapist, a physical therapist, and many more. Therefore, as one would expect, our hands, meridians, and acupressure points are very important in Buddha Palm practices. It is our hands that direct and channel the Qi in the body; while the meridians provide important pathways for working with Qi energy.
Buddha Palm is a self-healing Qigong. We do this self-healing by using compassion (a powerful tool) which provides us with a new way of approaching and achieving health and well-being. So how does it do this? Buddha Palm helps us achieve better health by using our natural stores of Qi energy that already flows within us. Yes, the energy that is inside you right now!
Let’s talk a bit about self-compassion.
Sounds easy, but isn’t always so. We usually feel compassion for others when they are in physical, emotional, or spiritual pain. This compassion often encourages them to learn to heal by accessing their own emotional strength and power. Can we do the same for ourselves? When we encounter pain of any kind, what is the first thing we do? Some people actually get mad at their body! We may become disappointed, feel like a loser for allowing it to happen, or worse, we often get angry at ourselves because we un- or subconsciously feel it is our own fault!
Why Try Buddha Palm Qigong?
Many practitioners are drawn to Buddha Palm because it teaches and helps you to let go of stress, process your emotions, and boosts your energy. Buddha Palm helps us reconnect with our natural energy and the forces of nature. By activating (or unblocking) and using the internal energy that we possess, we are able to improve our immune system along with our physical vitality. Buddha Palm also helps strengthen our connection to other energies around us. In this way, “our health, emotions, and spiritual awareness are nourished and cultivated”. Through Buddha Palm Qigong, we learn to “harness our own inner potential for self-healing.”
According to Grandmaster Mantak Chia, a very influential Taoist Qigong teacher, the first step to Taoist “bio-energy teaching” is getting in touch with our inner universe. Evidently, it was Grandmaster Mantak Chia that introduced this “secret” Taoist Qigong to the public as a method to open our inner energy channels or pathways. This practice strengthens the practitioner’s Qi and teaches the practitioner to activate the Qi of others, if so desired.
Unfortunately, because there are many methods/variations of Buddha Palm Qigong, I could find no written directions or steps to follow. However, there are numerous books, classes, CDs, and YouTube videos available to those wishing to learn or observe the practice.
Here are a couple of videos that I found interesting:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j9JId3g9Itc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Du0BYSXBE8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kr-mat5vRfw
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ww2A28mVoGY
Bottom line: Don’t see this Qigong as an alternative or as a replacement to your current (or future) medical provider! Consider Buddha Palm Qigong as an adjunct to Western Medicine, and as an opportunity to take part in your health and happiness journey. The opportunity is in your own hands (or should I say Palms).
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