Every person is different. As such, a Qi Gong exercise that feels great to one person may cause pain or discomfort to another person.
Qi Gong is a practice that focuses on your own individual experience. As such, sometimes it’s important to make adjustments to your Qi Gong practice, or refrain from doing certain exercises altogether.
In this blog, you’ll learn three key Qi Gong modifications you should consider if you have any injuries, are sick, or are pregnant. By listening carefully to your body and implementing these tips, you’ll be able to choose the right modifications for your own specific needs. All of these recommendations were discussed in a recent YouTube video by master Qi Gong teacher Lee Holden.
When you’re injured, it’s important to avoid movements and exercises that further aggravate your injury. You wouldn’t go on a run with a broken ankle, and similarly, you should be careful to avoid specific Qi Gong movements that could lead to further irritation or discomfort.
Because each injury is different, there’s no “one size fits all” recommendation for modifying your Qi Gong routines based on specific injuries. However, there are a few principles that can help you adapt various Qi Gong routines to fit your needs and limitations.
In general, excessive stretching can cause irritation or aggravation of injured parts of your body. When your body is healing, it’s important to not overstretch the muscles, ligaments, or joints that are in the process of healing.
This applies both to targeted stretching exercises as well as movements that require an extended range of motion.
For example, many Qi Gong exercises teach you to hold specific postures that stretch the muscles in your neck, shoulders, and back. While these exercises are wonderful when you’re fully healthy, they can be harmful when you’re recovering from injuries in those parts of your body. Therefore, it’s usually best to skip such stretching exercises when you’re dealing with a neck, back, or shoulder injury.
Similarly, some Qi Gong flowing movements take you through a wide range of movements. For example, The Fountain is an exercise that engages all parts of your arms in a circular, flowing movement. If you’re suffering from an arm injury, doing the full exercise may be difficult. However, you may find that you’re able to do a modified version in which you do smaller circles with your arms. This allows you to still enjoy the Qi Gong exercise and get some of its benefits, while still avoiding overworking the injured part of your body.
Of course, every injury is different and these are just a couple examples. It’s important to always pay close attention to your body and let your own experience be your guide.
In general, it’s best not to do Qi Gong practices when you’re first getting sick.
When you’re getting sick, your body needs to focus all of its energy on warding off pathogenic Qi. Therefore, instead of spending energy engaging your body in physical movement practices, it’s better to focus on a few simple purging exercises.
Purging exercises help you let go of pathogenic Qi and sickness. In Chinese Medicine and Qi Gong, one effective way to help release pathogenic Qi is through The Healing Sounds, specifically for the Lungs.
To clear pathogenic Qi from your body, inhale deeply and then exhale while making the “Zzzzzzzz” sound. This is the Healing Sound for the Lungs, which helps you release pathogenic Qi and fortify your immune system.
Do this sound for a couple of minutes while you visualize your lungs filled with radiant, white light. By doing the Healing Sound for the Lungs and visualizing white light, you’re able to let go of pathogenic energy that’s connected to being sick.
Additionally, find the pressure points right below your collarbone. These are the first points on the Lung meridian. Try rubbing these points with your fingers to activate your Lung meridian and healing energy within your body.
By doing these relaxing Healing Sounds and acupressure practices instead of movement exercises when you’re getting sick, you can let go of pathogenic Qi quicker. Once you’re starting to feel better, then you can return to movement Qi Gong practices.
When you’re pregnant, there’s a lot of energy flowing and growing within you. Therefore, it’s important to make a few key modifications to your practice to support the health and wellbeing of both yourself as well as the growing human within you.
When you’re pregnant, it’s important to not do Qi Gong exercises that move energy away from your Lower Tan Tien. For example, try to avoid doing The Microcosmic Orbit during pregnancy. While that exercise is wonderful and nourishing during other stages of life, it can pull vital life-force energy away from your growing baby.
Also, be careful when doing any massage or acupressure practices. During all movements and acupressure practices, try to be mindful of how the practices are affecting your lower abdomen area.
When you’re pregnant, it’s generally best to focus on slow, flowing movements that relax and revitalize your body. Try to bring about a state of calm, relaxation, and peace. By engaging in flowing practices while pregnant, you can cultivate an abundance of rich and nourishing energy for yourself and your baby.
If you’re interested in learning Qi Gong exercises, including exercises that can be modified for your physical condition and state, be sure to check out our Free Two-Week Qi Gong Trial.
When you sign up for the Free Two-Week Trial, you’ll learn a variety of powerful Qi Gong practices designed to help you cultivate holistic health and wellbeing. While the exercises in the Two-Week Trial aren’t aimed at helping you navigate specific conditions or energy states, you can adapt the practices to fit your own individual needs based on the principles outlined in this blog.
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