Qigong for Hip Pain

Qigong for Hip Pain

Hip pain can take many forms. You may feel it in the front of the hip, the back (in the buttocks), on the side (femoral head) of the hip, travelling into the groin, close to the skin surface of deep within the joint. Wherever it is, and whatever the cause, it is generally a good idea to keep the area mobile in order to promote circulation to the area and speed healing (unless your pain restricts your movement completely). In this article you’ll learn some Qigong for hip pain and how to promote the flow of Qi through the hip area so that the pain is reduced.

Janice Tucker is a practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Medical Qigong. She is also the founder of the Space To Relax online programme of Qigong video lessons.

Please head over to YouTube to subscribe to my YouTube channel by clicking the red “Subscribe” button. That way you won’t miss my regular videos which are full of useful health enhancing tips. These videos will help you to enhance your health and prevent illness from arising in the first place. Also please give this video a “Like” if you found it informative.

1. Shaking Head and Wagging Tail Method

This method is part of the 8 Pieces of Brocade (Ba Duan Jin) method in my Space To Relax membership site of online video lessons. What you’ll see in the video clip is how to perform this method.

Method

Use a horse stance, standing with feet about 3 feet apart, knees flexed and pushed outwards over the toes (do not let the knees drop inwards).  Place palms on knees.  Incline trunk of body to left (men) or the right (women) with head slightly lowered and look at the foot.  Raise body up, twisting into hips.  Lower body back down and sweep whole of trunk across to the other side (think of top of head as a lighthouse beacon).  Look at foot then raise body up, twisting into hips.  Lower body back down and sweep across to the other side once more.  Weight changes from one side to the other and hips are relaxed, following the movement.  Knees are bent all the time – do not lock the knee.  Maintain strength in legs but be relaxed in waist and trunk.

Finish the exercise by stepping together as palms turn to face the ground then placing one hand (right for women, left for men) flat over Dan Tian with the other hand on top.  Circle a few times in one direction and then the other to seal in the Qi.  Allow the hands to drop down by the sides of the body and observe any sensations or changes.

Take care if you suffer with high blood pressure or dizziness not to lower the head below waist level.

Exhale as you look at foot.  Inhale as body is raised slightly.  Exhale as you look at foot again.  Inhale as body sweeps across to the other side.

2. Using the Breath to Release Negative Emotions

Use Abdominal Breathing to exhale the pain out through your nostrils. Visualise it as a balloon that you are letting go and see it floating up and away into the sky. You can learn this method from a previous video I made. It is a very useful method of Qigong for hip pain or any other type of pain. Click here to watch it.

Where Can I Learn More?

If you would like to learn even more benefits of Qigong for hip pain then:

  1. Head over to my Space To Relax homepage. There you can sign up for a free 3 part video series of Qigong lessons. Once you’ve completed the free series you’ll have the opportunity to join my Space To Relax online membership programme of Qigong video lessons. This will allow you to take your practice to a whole new level where you will learn many exercises to eliminate health issues before they become a major problem. I’ll guide you step by step through many more effective Qigong methods. You can adapt all of these methods for the condition of hip pain, regardless of where you feel it.
  1. Subscribe to my YouTube channel by clicking the red “Subscribe” button. That way you won’t miss my regular videos which are full of useful health enhancing tips. Also please give this video a “Like” and share with me in the comments box what you thought of the exercise in the video.
  1. Join my free Facebook group, “Space To Relax Free Qigong Group” and leave any comments or questions for me there. I’ll be happy to answer them. Also, by joining this group, you will receive regular posts of Qigong articles and videos with really useful tips about how to use Qigong to improve your state of health.

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Qigong For Nerve Pain

Qigong For Nerve Pain

Nerve pain is a condition which I have observed many times in my Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine clinic. For those of you who have ever suffered with this you may have experienced it as a “shooting”, “burning” or even “electric” sensation. None of these feelings are pleasant, to say the least. The good news is that Qigong can be a helpful tool for helping you to manage any kind of nerve pain and that’s what you will be learning about in this post; how to use Qigong for nerve pain.

Janice Tucker is a practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Medical Qigong. She is also the founder of the Space To Relax online programme of Qigong video lessons.

Please go to YouTube to subscribe to my YouTube channel by clicking the red “Subscribe” button. That way you won’t miss my regular videos which are full of useful health enhancing tips. These videos will help you to enhance your health and prevent illness from arising in the first place. Also please give this video a “Like” if you found it informative.

The Benefit of Qigong for Nerve Pain

1. The Physical Benefit

Qigong can help you to calm unwanted nerve impulses by reducing inflammation and improving the circulation to nerves in a way that does not cause them to be aggravated.

Because nerve pain may affect your range of movement you may be unable to adopt the conventional standing posture of Western exercise. Qigong can accommodate you if you have restricted movement because of nerve pain. This is because you can practise Qigong exercises lying down or sitting. There is no need to push through pain by adopting a posture which will aggravate your condition. Qigong methods can always be adapted to suit your individual range of comfortable movement and you can still reap the benefits.

2. The Emotional Benefit

If you are in pain then you will no doubt be emotionally affected by this. You may feel angry, frustrated, anxious or fearful about your pain. You may feel depressed because you can’t enjoy the things you could always do with ease.

Qigong is a method of combining the mind, breath and simple movement in such a way as to help you release the emotions which can be associated with nerve pain.

Simple Abdominal Breathing combined with using the breath to release negative emotions can go a long way to improving your emotional state.

Where Can I Learn More?

If you would like to learn even more benefits of Qigong for nerve pain then:

1. Head over to my Space To Relax homepage. There you can sign up for a free 3 part video series of Qigong lessons. Once you’ve completed the free series you’ll have the opportunity to join my Space To Relax online membership programme of Qigong video lessons. This will allow you to take your practice to a whole new level. You will learn many exercises to eliminate health issues before they become a major problem. I’ll guide you step by step through many more effective Qigong methods which you can adapt if you are managing nerve pain.

2. Subscribe to my YouTube channel by clicking the red “Subscribe” button over on YouTube. That way you won’t miss my regular videos which are full of useful health enhancing tips. Also please give this video a “Like” and share with me in the comments box what you thought of the video.

3. Join my free Facebook group, “Space To Relax Free Group” and leave any comments or questions for me there. I’ll be happy to answer them. You’ll also receive regular posts about Qigong with useful tips about how to improve your state of health.

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Qigong For Skin Health

Qigong For Skin Health

Skin conditions affect nearly all of us at one time or another in our lives. These can take the form of acne, rosacea, eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis, to name but a few. In this post you’ll learn how to use Qigong for skin health.

Janice Tucker is a practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Medical Qigong. She is also the founder of the Space To Relax online programme of Qigong video lessons.

Please don’t forget to head over to YouTube and subscribe to my YouTube channel by clicking the red “Subscribe” button. That way you won’t miss my regular videos which are full of useful health enhancing tips. These videos will help you to improve your health and prevent illness from arising in the first place. Also please give this video a “Like” if you found it informative.

Skin Health In Terms of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)

In terms of TCM the health of the skin involves the Lung system and the digestive system.

You may have noticed that people with breathing difficulties such as asthma may commonly experience eczema too. This is because the Lung system in TCM governs breathing and controls the health of the skin. The associated emotion of the Lung system, grief, can also affect the health of the skin.

Skin health can also be made better or worse by the types of food we eat as this influences the health of our digestive system. If waste Qi (energy) and toxins accumulate in the digestive system they can manifest in the skin. We are all familiar with the fact that the condition of our skin changes for the worse if we eat too much junk food! 🙂

Methods of Qigong for Skin Health

1. Face Massage

This is a very quick and easy method of Qigong for skin health that you can do anywhere! If you have any problems with the skin on your face such as acne, rosacea or facial dermatitis then a simple Qigong face massage can help the circulation in this area and rid toxins from the skin. Rub the palms of the hands together vigorously, place the palms on the face feeling the heat from the hands. Rub the face up the centre and down the sides of the cheeks in multiples of 9. This will leave your skin feeling invigorated, energised and refreshed!

2. Qigong To Boost Your Immunity

This method of Qigong for skin health focuses on immunity as this affects our Lung system and thereby our skin. Refer to a previous video I made on “Qigong for Immunity” which includes and very quick and easy method you can follow along with which will not only help the health of your skin but help enhance your general levels of immunity too.

Other Tips For Skin Health

1. Diet

Manage the food you eat well and this will be reflected in the condition of your skin!

Avoid the following:

• fatty foods
• rich foods (such as lamb and dairy)
• greasy/fried foods
• too much sweet food such as cakes and chocolates

Eat more of the following:

• green, leafy vegetables
• mung beans and aduki beans
• carrots
• pumpkin
• butternut squash
• seaweed

Drink cleansing teas which benefit the digestive system such as peppermint, fennel and nettle.

2. Develop Methods To Express and Manage Grief In A Healthy Way

If you suspect that grief could be contributing to your skin condition then practice meditative methods or seek out treatments which can help you such as acupuncture or counselling. Keeping grief bottled up inside the body never works. Emotions always find an outlet which can be physical in the form of a visible skin condition.

Where Can I Learn More?

If you would like to learn even more benefits of Qigong for skin health and how to elevate your health in general then:

1. Head over to my Space To Relax homepage. There you can sign up for a free 3 part video series of Qigong lessons. Once you’ve completed the free series you’ll have the opportunity to join my Space To Relax online membership programme of Qigong video lessons. This will allow you to take your practice to a whole new level where you will learn many exercises to eliminate health issues before they become a major problem. I’ll guide you step by step through many more effective Qigong methods, all which will improve your overall health and thereby the health of your skin.

2. Subscribe to my YouTube channel by clicking the red “Subscribe” button on the YouTube website. That way you won’t miss my regular videos which are full of useful health enhancing tips. Also please give this video a “Like” and share with me in the comments box what your kids thought of the two methods in the video.

3. Join my free Facebook group, “Space To Relax Free Qigong Group” and leave any comments or questions for me there. I’ll be happy to answer them. Also, by joining this group, you will receive regular posts of Qigong articles and videos with really useful tips about how to use Qigong to improve your state of health.

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Qigong For Tremors

Qigong For Tremors

Do you suffer with tremors in your body or know anyone that does? Do you have or know anyone with Parkinson’s Disease? If so, the video on this page is just for you. You’ll learn how to use Qigong for tremors in your body associated with either essential tremor or Parkinson’s Disease.

Janice Tucker is a practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Medical Qigong. She is also the founder of the Space To Relax online programme of Qigong video lessons.

Please don’t forget to do to YouTube to subscribe to my YouTube channel by clicking the red “Subscribe” button. That way you won’t miss my regular videos which are full of useful health enhancing tips. These videos will help you to enhance your health and prevent illness from arising in the first place. Also please give this video a “Like” if you found it informative.

Tremors In Terms of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)

Tremors in TCM terms are often due to the lack of smooth flow of Qi (energy) in the body. The Liver and Kidney systems are primarily involved along with what is termed “Internal Wind”. Essential Tremor and Parkinson’s Disease are not the same thing, however we can employ Qigong methods to help manage the tremors resulting from both conditions.

Qigong for Tremors – Reduction

There are many simple methods of Qigong for tremors and their reduction. All Qigong methods generally help to smooth the flow of energy throughout the body, opening up the pathways of Qi flow so that they become unobstructed. Of particular use are Qigong methods which focus on balancing the function of the Liver and Kidney systems and clear Internal Wind.

Qigong for Cleansing

This method of Qigong for tremors rids waste or turbid Qi from the body (including Internal Wind) and can therefore help to reduce shaking in the body. You can learn this method in a previous video I made, Qigong for Cleansing.

Qigong Circles Method

This method moves your Qi in all four directions (up, down, in and out) and so has a strong effect on promoting unobstructed Qi flow, allowing the body to bring itself back into balance. It’s very easy and suitable for beginners. Click here to watch the video.

Stretching

The Liver system is related to the tendons in TCM. Any exercise which stretches the tendons (and muscles) will help to smooth the flow of Qi throughout the Liver system, improving its function and thereby helping to reduce tremors. Refer to these two previous videos for some simple stretches to follow along with:

A Qigong Stretch for Athletes – not only for athletes but for anyone who wants to stretch and smooth the flow of Qi from the lower back down the backs of the legs.

A Simple Qigong Stretch – this stretch opens up the chest and upper back.

Exhale the Negative With Qigong Breathing

You can use Qigong breathing to exhale anything you don’t want in your body or mind (physical or mental). Use the method here to exhale the tremor. Try it for 10 minutes and compare how you feel before and after the exercise. Click here to watch a previous video of this method in more detail.

Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine for Tremor Reduction

Both Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine can also be effective in the relief of tremors. Read one of many research articles on how helpful acupuncture can be in managing tremors by clicking here.

Where Can I Learn More?

If you would like to learn even more benefits of Qigong for healthcare and the reduction of tremors then:

  1. Head over to my Space To Relax homepage. There you can sign up for a free 3 part video series of Qigong lessons. Once you’ve completed the free series you’ll have the opportunity to join my Space To Relax online membership programme of Qigong video lessons. This will allow you to take your practice to a whole new level where you will learn many exercises to eliminate health issues before they become a major problem. I’ll guide you step by step through many more effective methods of Qigong for tremors and their reduction.
  1. Subscribe to my YouTube channel by clicking the red “Subscribe” button on the YouTube website. That way you won’t miss my regular videos which are full of useful health enhancing tips. Also please give this video a “Like” and share with me in the comments box what your kids thought of the two methods in the video.
  1. Join my free Facebook group, “Space To Relax Free Qigong Group” and leave any comments or questions for me there. I’ll be happy to answer them. Also, by joining this group, you will receive regular posts of Qigong articles and videos with really useful tips about how to use Qigong to improve your state of health.

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Qigong for Lymphatic Drainage

Qigong for Lymphatic Drainage

Do you have any issues with circulation of blood or lymph in your body? You’ll know if you do as you may experience symptoms of cold hands and feet, fluid accumulation and a weakened immune system for example. In this article and video you’ll learn how to use Qigong for lymphatic drainage and to help improve the circulation of blood throughout your body so that you can more efficiently nourish all your tissues and organs, remove toxins and fight disease.

Janice Tucker is a practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Medical Qigong. She is also the founder of the Space To Relax online programme of Qigong video lessons.

Please don’t forget to do to YouTube and subscribe to my YouTube channel by clicking the red “Subscribe” button. That way  you won’t miss my regular videos which are full of useful health enhancing tips. These videos will help you to enhance your health and prevent illness from arising in the first place. Also please give this video a “Like” if you found it informative.

The Role of the Lymphatic System

It wasn’t until recently that the lymphatic system was given attention or well understood in terms of Western medicine. However, in Asia, even though the lymphatic function itself was unknown, its effects were generally thought to be due to the action of Qi (energy) and fluids.

The lymph system is made up of a network of vessels that transport fluid throughout our bodies. Lymphatic fluid flushes debris (such as viruses, bacteria and cancer cells) away from the fluid that bathes the body’s cells. In this way our lymphatic system is related to the power of our immune system.

Qigong for Lymphatic Drainage

There are many simple things we can do to enhance lymphatic function. This, in turn, will help strengthen our immune system and thereby our resistance to disease.

The role of breath, movement and posture in Qigong exercises all have specific effects on the production and circulation of the lymph.

1. Breathing

Our breathing powers the flow of the cleansing lymphatic fluid through the lymph system. Lymphatic flow is increased by the deeper breathing we do when we exercise. Therefore Abdominal Breathing, which makes greater use of the diaphragm, acts to circulate lymph much more efficiently through the abdominal and thoracic area than the more shallow “chest” breathing which most people do. For a previous video on Abdominal Breathing click here.

2. Movement

When we exercise, the flow of lymph into our circulation can increase by 10-15%. Any Qigong exercise involving movement of the muscles will help improve lymph function throughout the body. Those exercises which especially involve movement of the upper body exercise are important in the lymphatic cleansing of the breasts. Muscular movement in the arms, armpits and chest causes the lymphatic fluid to flow efficiently in order to rid the breast area of toxic debris. The circles exercise which is part of my series of free Qigong video lessons (see below) is a good example of a Qigong for lymphatic drainage method. Another method to increase the drainage of lymph and flow of Qi in the chest and upper arms is in a previous video called “A Simple Qigong Stretch“:

3. Posture

Any inversion of the limbs or even a lying down body position allows for a free flow of lymph unencumbered by the effects of gravity. Elevation of the lower limbs is often prescribed for health problems characterised by a pooling of fluids. Just lying on the floor with your legs straight up the wall is a fantastic posture to help with circulation of lymph.

4. Previous Related Videos

To Improve Circulation of Blood: Qigong for Cold Hands

Enhancing the Function of The Immune System: Qigong for Immunity

A 2 Minute Method to Discharge Waste Qi: Qigong for Cleansing

Using Arms and Chest To Drain Lymph: Qigong for Beginners.

Where Can I Learn More?

If you would like to learn even more benefits of Qigong for lymphatic drainage then:

1. Head over to my Space To Relax homepage. There you can sign up for a free 3 part video series of Qigong lessons. Once you’ve completed the free series you’ll have the opportunity to join my Space To Relax online membership programme of Qigong video lessons. This will allow you to take your practice to a whole new level where you will learn many exercises to eliminate health issues before they become a major problem. I’ll guide you step by step through many more effective methods, all which aid lymphatic drainage.

2. Subscribe to my YouTube channel by clicking the red “Subscribe” button. That way you won’t miss my regular videos which are full of useful health enhancing tips. Also please give this video a “Like” and share with me in the comments box what your kids thought of the two methods in the video.

3. Join my free Facebook group, “Space To Relax Free Group” and leave any comments or questions for me there. I’ll be happy to answer them. Also, by joining this group, you will receive regular posts of Qigong articles and videos with really useful tips about how to use Qigong to improve your state of health.

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Qigong For Irritable Bowel Syndrome – IBS

Qigong For Irritable Bowel Syndrome – IBS

Gas, bloating, alternating constipation and diarrhoea, pain, mucus, an uncomfortably full feeling and abdominal cramping. Some of you will be familiar with these symptoms which can develop over time, with no structural or anatomical change that can be detected as cause. And for those of you who are familiar with them, this could mean a diagnosis of Irritable Bowel Syndrome or IBS. This is a distressing condition which nobody should have to endure. If you are someone suffering with this digestive problem then you’ll learn from the video on this page how to use Qigong for Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

Janice Tucker is a practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Medical Qigong. She is also the founder of the Space To Relax online programme of Qigong video lessons.

Don’t forget to head over to YouTube to subscribe to my YouTube channel. That way you won’t miss my regular videos which are full of useful health enhancing tips. These videos will help you to enhance your health and prevent illness from arising in the first place. Also please give this video a “Like” if you found it informative.

What Causes Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

1. Stress

In Traditional Chinese Medicine a “liver-spleen disharmony” due to stress is one of the most common causes of IBS. Normally, the liver is in charge of the free flow of energy (or Qi), blood and oxygen to the spleen and stomach. Stress, frustration, anger, moodiness and tightness in the body (the liver is sensitive to these emotions) can cause stagnation of the “free flow” of Qi through the digestive organs. This can cause acid, belching, nausea, abdominal distension and bloating. Diarrhoea, constipation and irregular bowel movements can also occur.

2. Food sensitivity

There are some foods which can trigger IBS symptoms. You may already have identified them but if not consider what you may be eating from the list of trigger foods below:

  • Cold, raw vegetables: Eating too many cold, raw vegetables dampens the digestive fire and leads to malabsorption of nutrients.
  • Wheat and gluten.
  • Cruciferous vegetables and legumes: They can cause gas and bloating in sensitive individuals.
  • Dairy: Lactose intolerance can lead to digestive ailments.
3. Time and Manner of Eating

This is as important in Chinese Medicine as what you eat. Eating “on the run” or too quickly, while angry or hurried all impede healthy digestion.  When you eat or drink quickly, you might also be inhaling too much air and eating too much.

The Solutions

1. Reduce Stress With Meditation and Qigong For Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Easing stress would be the most important aspect of your plan to treat the root cause of IBS, or any other digestive problem for that matter. Qigong for Irritable Bowel Syndrome management is ideal as it is very effective at relieving stress.

Research carried out at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill on meditation and IBS found that women who practiced mediation had around a 38 percent reduction in symptoms, according to U.S. News. Click here for the full article.

Meditation focuses on deep breathing and staying in the moment to relax the mind and body.

For an explanation of Qigong meditation go to a previous video I made – click here.

Practice simple Abdominal Breathing. Breathe in and out through the nose. As you breathe in the belly expands. As you breathe out the belly shrinks. For a full explanation and to watch a previous video click here.

2. Movement and Exercise

Massaging the abdomen (9x clockwise, 9x counter-clockwise) can be very helpful. Also, exercises to move things around such as moving Qigong exercises or Tai Chi can relieve stagnation of Qi and promote its free flow to the digestive organs.

3. Eliminate Trigger Foods From Your Diet (see the list above).

 

4. Eat In A Relaxed Environment Without Rushing

 

5. Other Treatments

The inclusion of probiotics to increase good bacteria in the stomach, herbal teas such as fennel and peppermint, acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine can also be of great help in the management of IBS..

What Do I  Do Next?

If you would like to learn even more Qigong for irritable bowel syndrome management then:

  1. Head over to my Space To Relax homepage where you can sign up for a free 3 part video series of Qigong lessons. These three lessons will show you just how easy it is to get started with Qigong. Once you’ve completed the free series you’ll have the opportunity to join my Space To Relax online membership programme of Qigong video lessons. This will allow you to take your practice to a whole new level where you will learn many exercises to eliminate health issues before they become a major problem. I’ll guide you step by step through many more effective Qigong methods which you can use to manage many digestive issues, including Qigong for irritable bowel syndrome management.
  1. Subscribe to my YouTube channel by clicking the red “Subscribe” button. That way you won’t miss my regular videos which are full of useful health enhancing tips. Also please give this video a “Like” and share with me in the comments box your best remedies for IBS.
  1. Join my free Facebook group, “Space To Relax Free Group” and leave any comments or questions for me there. I’ll be happy to answer them. Also, by joining this group, you will receive regular posts of Qigong articles and videos with really useful tips about how to use Qigong to improve your state of health.

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