How do mind-body-spirit connections impact immune health? Part 1 of this summary looks at the most recent scientific evidence on connecting to mind and body to undo the harmful effects of stress. Part 2 explores ways Qigong harmonizes body-mind-spirit pathways for healing. Use this information to bridge ancient wisdom with modern discovery.

The Bridge Between East and West

Qigong’s gifts have been experienced for thousands of years. We live in exciting times. East and West are building stronger bridges of communication and integration. Still, people struggle to translate obscure concepts and discoveries. Language fails us. A different, invaluable way of knowing and being seems beyond reach.

Qigong and Communication

Based on ancient principles of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), Qigong movements enable our body, mind, and spirit to communicate. Qigong functions like a telegraph system—transmitting and receiving code. This code is Qi, an energy or life force with the ability to convey information, intelligence and messages.

A cell monitors itself and its environment. It receives and analyzes information and then decides how to respond. Stress conveys information to the body through the nervous system, triggering reactions. Biological research shows Qigong and other mind-body practices reverse stress-induced changes within the cells that are linked to poor health and depression.

TCM identifies 12 major meridians, or energy channels, that connect with each other and the body as a whole. Through this network, the body communicates, sending Qi to all parts of the body. Qigong is an energy practice based on the knowing that everything is energy. It maintains that physical conditions root themselves in emotional imbalances and energy stagnation at much deeper, invisible levels. Qigong helps maintain the smooth flow of Qi through the meridians, to maintain whole body-mind-spirit balance.

The Five Element Consciousness Framework

While physicists deduced quantum theory to understand interrelated energy patterns, ancient energy masters compiled the Five Element Consciousness Framework. It depicts Nature’s five elements—wood, fire, earth, metal and water, each with its own energy frequency—into a single framework of interrelated energy systems.

Human beings, as part of Nature’s web, are part of this energetic framework. In addition to the tangible, such as emotions, thoughts and feelings each have an electromagnetic frequency. Those that are “positive” inspire the body, mind and spirit to react in self-healing ways, such as “I am capable and able.” Love.

Qigong Connections

Qigong combines two concepts: Qi or life force and gong, a skill achieved through steady practice. Physically it benefits your body. Mentally it quiets your mind. And spiritually, it connects you to consciousness. Each aspect of your being—body, mind, and spirit—is inseparable from the other and must cooperate fully for optimal health. But without a connection to consciousness, Qigong is limited. Without understanding the core emotions behind the root cause, ultimate health is unreachable. If you always associate with illness and disease, your life becomes about illness and disease. Instead, focus on health.

Everything is Qi. Qi is the infinite part of the human body that connects with Nature and the unconditional love of the Universe. You can use Qigong to connect with the Universal wisdom that surrounds you.

Going Deeper

TCM not only treats physical conditions, but also asks us to go deeper to find what they represent. A different, invaluable way of knowing and being is within reach.

A practitioner is a guide, but you are your own true healer. You know, live and feel your life story. No one can take away the root cause of your troubles or feel your emotions. No one can live your life for you. Only you can.

The information in Part 2 draws upon the published works of Nan Lu with Ellen Schaplowsky: Digesting the Universe: A Revolutionary Framework for Healthy Metabolism Function and A Natural Guide to Weight Loss that Lasts.