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The Healing Power ofQi Is Within YouFrom Author ofThe Healer Within andThe Healing Promise of QiDr. Roger Jahnke
YOUR BODY, in cooperation with your mind and spirit, is marvelouslyblessed with miraculous self-healing abilities. The body is the temple ofyour life. Mind and spirit are the dwellers within the temple. Mind andspirit maintain the temple. Mind’s intelligence and spirit’s inspirationvitalize and quicken the body. The three together -- body, mind andspirit -- cooperate to produce the most profound medicine ever knownin the history of the human race, right within you.Any injury or illness is spontaneously cured when these naturallyoccurring self-healing resources are operating optimally. When you cutyourself, the wound heals automatically. When you have a sprain orbruise, it heals automatically. When you have a sprain or bruise, it healsautomatically. When you have a broken bone, the physician must setthe bone correctly, but then nature heals in spontaneously.Copyright 2015, Dr. Roger Jahnke. All Rights Reserved.2
Science cannot explain much of what causes what we call healing. The“original cause” of healing, health, life itself, and the whole universe isunexplained. In ancient China this “original cause” is known as“mystery.”With or without a physician, with or without medical intervention, thenatural medicine that we produce - our healer within - is working toheal us and sustain our health.A wondrous self-healing mechanism has been built into us by thearchitect of the universe from the beginning of human history. Thisremarkable gift belongs to every person from birth. Unfortunately, mostpeople have not known about this gift; it has been a secret. You,however, have entered into this circle of individuals who will make thissecret known. Freeing the potential of self healing in your own life andsharing it with your family and community will have marvelous effects.Copyright 2015, Dr. Roger Jahnke. All Rights Reserved.3
When our natural healing ability does not function automatically,something is terribly wrong. Our spontaneous self-healing resourceshave become damaged or disordered. Formerly, we lived in a worldwhere the only solution to this problem was thought to requirephysicians, hospitals, medicines, and tremendous expense.Now we know that the best, easiest and least expensive cure is torehabilitate the automatic healing capacity through self-healingmethods. The simple practices of focusing on the breath, applying selfmassage, gently moving the body, and deeply relaxing bring the naturalrelationship among the body, mind and spirit back into balance.For decades, we in the modern Western world have believed thatmedical science would invent better medicines and healing proceduresthan those automatically born within us. Given that cancer, heartdisease, stroke, and diabetes remain terrifying realities throughout ourcommunities, we now know that thepromise of medical science has beenat least as much of a disappointmentas it has been an inspiration.Exciting new scientific research andclinical experience show, however,that the most profound medicine isproduced naturally within us throughthe collaboration of our own body,mind and spirit.The naturally occurring self-healingability of your own body, mind, andspirit is the world’s greatest healer.This means that you—not someoneelse, but you—can reduce your riskof disease. If you have lost yourhealth and have become challengedCopyright 2015, Dr. Roger Jahnke. All Rights Reserved. 4
by a disease or illness, this means that you can literally heal yourself.Of you can work as a partner with your physician to speed yourrecovery.THE ESSENCE OF SELF-HEALINGThree areas, all based on personal choice and personal action,maximize the activity of our naturally occurring self-healing capability.The first is our choice of attitudes and mental influences. When wechoose to think, believe, and act from a position of power, refusing to bea victim of circumstances, the healer within is automaticallystrengthened. When we refuse to live under the influence of worry anddoubt, the internal medicine is enriched.The second area of choice islifestyle: nutrition, exercise, rest,relationships, finances, work,spiritual practice, play, waterintake, avoidance of alcohol andcigarettes, and so on. From momentto moment, each of us personallyelects whether to enhance orsabotage the healer within througho u r b e h av i o r s a n d p e r s o n a lchoices. The third area of choice ispersonal self-care -- the practice ofself-healing and healthenhancement methods.When these aspects of personal choice keep health and healing activein a person’s life, he or she does not generally need to go to a clinic orhospital. When the healer within is strong efficient, well-being is intact.Empowered by knowledge and inspiration to take action, eachindividual becomes the principal source of health, healing, and stressmastery in his or her own life.Copyright 2015, Dr. Roger Jahnke. All Rights Reserved. 5
THE FOUR ESSENTIAL METHODSIn addition to following basic guidelines in the areas of attitude andlifestyle, each individual can learn and practice four simple self-appliedhealth enhancement methods that activate the natural medicines that weproduce within. These are ancient practices. After many centuries orcorrection and improvement, they have become highly refined tools.1. Gentle movement of the body2. Self-applied massage3. Breath practice4. Deep relaxation or meditationThese techniques are easy to learn, are easy toapply, require no special knowledge or training,and can be practiced daily by all people (sick orwell) with little impact on their time or energy.In fact, they will actually produce both time andenergy.The methods create time because they reduceor eliminate fatigue and forgetfulness. Theygenerate energy because they enhance andregenerate the functioning of the organs andglands, and this produces the physiologicalenergy needed for activity and endurance.Copyright 2015, Dr. Roger Jahnke. All Rights Reserved. 6
The time spent applying these methods will be returned, evenmultiplied, by your growing ability to generate abundant personalvitality, balance, and well-being. You will waste less time and need lesssleep.For every fifteen minutes of healthenhancement practice, done faithfully for aperiod of days, fifteen minutes less sleepwill be required, fifteen minutes less timelooking for lost keys will be needed, fifteenminutes less insomnia or depression will beexperienced, fifteen minutes less pain relieffrom over-the-counter pain medications willbe necessary, fifteen minutes less time willbe spent in the waiting room of the doctor’soffice or clinic.Copyright 2015, Dr. Roger Jahnke. All Rights Reserved. 7
THREE INTENTFUL CORRECTIONSThe Three Intentful Corrections are common to all forms of Qigong, andtrigger the relaxation response and immune function, tonify and settlethe Qi, and nourish organs and glands.First Intentful Correction -- Adjust and regulate your body posture ormovement.Sit or stand fully upright, or lieoutstretched. Visualize a connectionlifting the top of your head into theheavens. Next visualize a connectionfrom your sacrum to the center of theearth. The upward lift and downwardpull opens the center of the body andfills the body with Qi. Adjusting yourposture optimizes the inner flow ofblood and lymph in your body.Second Intentful Correction -- Adjustand deepen your breath.The breath is the most powerful tool for gathering Qi and is the easiestto practice. Inhale slowly through your nose, and hold your breath for acount of one, one thousand; two, one thousand; three, one thousand.Allow your breaths to be deep, slow and relaxed, but not urgent. On theexhalation, relax even more.Third Intentful Correction -- Clear your mind.A Qigong proverb states, “When the mind is distracted the Qi scatters”Briefly, or for as long as you wish, focus your mind on something simplelike clouds drifting across the sky, a prairie of grass in the breeze, watermoving in a river or as waves against the shore. Smile gently.Copyright 2015, Dr. Roger Jahnke. All Rights Reserved. 8
THE PRELIMINARY POSTURESimply shifting to this position has an effect on brain chemistry becauseyou have to relax to concentrate on arranging the body parts. Theadjustment of the body to this Preliminary Posture optimizes thefunction of all organs and maximizes breath flow throughout the body.You can perform the Preliminary Posture sitting and lying down as well.Copyright 2015, Dr. Roger Jahnke. All Rights Reserved. 9
GENTLE MOVEMENTFlowing MotionMovements and postures that appear to have minimal movement oractivity are actually the most profound methods for generating,circulating, and conserving your own inner medicine. When gentlemovement is integrated with full relaxed breathing and deep relaxationof mind, the human body enters an especially healing and restorativestate. This has a distinct effect on the blood, the nervous system, theimmune system, the lymphatic system, and oxygen metabolism.Make the practice of self-healing fun. Be careful; respect your limits.Balance and blend the breath and relaxation practices with the mildeffort of the movements. This combination more dramatically mobilizesthe vitality of healing resources within you.Just deciding to return to this position has numerous benefits. You haveto be aware enough to remember to do it. This awareness alone isempowering. You must relax enough to make adjustments. Thisrelaxation also has a health-enhancing potential.Copyright 2015, Dr. Roger Jahnke. All Rights Reserved. 10
GENTLE MOVEMENTStart by standing with your feet directed forward at about shoulderwidth. Allow your shoulders to relax and arms to dangle at your sides.Bend your knees just slightly and allow the coccyx (tailbone), sacralbone, and pelvis to swing slightly underneath the spine. The lower backwill adjust to be straighter and more elongated with less of a forward(lumbar) curve.Arrange your self in the Preliminary Posture, and rest for a moment.Inhale slowly and turn your palms forward. Slowly lift your body weightonto the balls of your feet as you swing your arms forward and upward.The hands (palms up) and arms rise up to the height of the heart orshoulders, elbows just slightly bent. (Remember do this movement in away that is comfortable for you; you might be more comfortable sitting.)Allow your mind to be free of concerns.Now, turn the palmsdownward, exhale, lower the arms slowly and sink the body weightdown so the feet are flat on the ground. When the hands pass the legs,allow them to continue to swing toward the back slightly. Lift your toesas high as possible.Allow the breath to be full but not urgent. Deepen your relaxation.Turn the palms forward, begin to inhale, and repeat the movement.Build up a gentle rhythm. Soon, as you continue gently, you will gain asense of ease, a flowing sensation. At both the top of the arm swing andat the back of the swing there is a smooth turn of the palm to changedirection, a gentle rounding motion.If you feel unstable rising on the toes, then practice this method forsome time with the feet flat on the ground. Eventually when you beginto do the heel and toe raises, this practice will help you to regain asense of balance.Copyright 2015, Dr. Roger Jahnke. All Rights Reserved. 11
GENTLE MOVEMENTNotice that once you get the Flowing Motion going you can rest in therhythm and flow. It is almost as if the movement goes on its own andyou can ride it. Flowing Motion can be performed from any position –standing, sitting, or lying down.The Chinese believe that the human body exists in a “field” of energy.You may begin to feel as if you are floating within this field and to sensethe flow of the energy as well as the circulation of the medicine within.Copyright 2015, Dr. Roger Jahnke. All Rights Reserved. 12
SELF-APPLIED MASSAGEEnergizing The OrgansEnergizing the Organs is typical to all Medical Qigong, and directlylinked to Traditional Chinese Medicine theory. Energizing the Organsdirects Qi and intention to strengthen key organs related to cancer -Liver, Kidney, Spleen; it calms the Heart, deepens breath and Lungfunction and soothes the nervous system.Place the hands over the lower edge of the ribs, near the front side of thebody. Beneath the right hand are the liver, the gall bladder, and theupper right hand portion of the large intestines. Beneath the left handare the spleen, the pancreas, the stomach, and upper left hand portionof the large intestines. Rub the open palm against the surface of thebody in a circular motion. Eventually you will begin to feel warmth orperhaps a tingly sensation.Then hold your hands still and feel the warmth penetrating the surface ofthe body and migrating to the organs. Allow your breath to be full andluxurious. Think a moment about how these organs have faithfullyserved you for your entire life. Imagine sending your gratitude to themCopyright 2015, Dr. Roger Jahnke. All Rights Reserved. 13
on your exhalation. Move your hands so that one is over the sternumand the other is over the navel. Again rub in a circular motion and buildSELF-APPLIED MASSAGEup warmth. Stop and hold the hands still, sensing the warmth andgratitude to the heart, lungs, and thymus gland. Take your time.Finally allow your hands to move to the lower back. Build up warmth byrubbing the hands up the back. Allow the inner benefit of your smile ofappreciation to travel to the kidneys and the adrenals, considered inChinese medicine to be the dwelling place of essential life energies.Imagine their delight at having received your gratitude andacknowledgement after all of these years. Complete by bringing bothhands to the front, to rest on the belly just below the navel. Remain for amoment longer in a state of deep rest. Allow the mind to be free.Copyright 2015, Dr. Roger Jahnke. All Rights Reserved. 14
SELF-APPLIED MASSAGEReflexology (Self-Massage Feet)Some of the benefits of reflexology include its ability to stimulate nervefunction, increases energy, boosts circulation, induces a deep state ofrelaxation, eliminates toxins, stimulates the central nervous system,prevents migraines, cleans up urinary tract conditions, speeds recoveryafter injury or surgery, helps relieve sleep disorders, reduces depression,and relieves pain.Nerve Function: As our bodies age, our nerve endings become lesssensitive in parts of our body, particularly in our extremities. That beingsaid, reflexology has been connected with stimulating more than 7,000different nervous endings in a single session, thereby increasing theirfunction and reactivity. Opening and cleaning out neural pathways canhelp improve functionality and flexibility of many areas around thebody. Neural pathways are like muscles, so it is good to work them oncein a while to keep them sharp!Copyright 2015, Dr. Roger Jahnke. All Rights Reserved. 15
SELF-APPLIED MASSAGEEnergy Levels: By aligning the functioning of various organ and musclesystems, reflexology can increase metabolism and energy creationprocesses within the body. If you need a boost in energy or are alwaysfeeling sluggish, perhaps a reflexology session can help put some pepback in your step!Copyright 2015, Dr. Roger Jahnke. All Rights Reserved. 16
SELF-APPLIED MASSAGERelaxation: As mentioned, reflexology has been known to open neuralpathways, and this sort of free-flowing neural activity results in a morerelaxed state in the body, one of reduced stress. For this reason,reflexology can flood your system with relaxation, inducing a state ofcalm throughout your body and mind. In this same vein, reflexology iscommonly used to cure sleep disorders. Insomnia can be a verytroubling condition to suffer through, but reflexology helps your bodyrelax and get back to its normal, healthy circadian rhythms.Circulation: One of the most well-known and verified benefits ofreflexology is an improvement in circulation throughout the body, whichmeans that blood and oxygen are being cycled through the body moreeffectively. This means more oxygen reaches vital organ systems, therebyoptimizing their functioning and further increasing the metabolism. Thisalso results in faster healing and re-growth of damaged cells.Toxin Removal: Reflexology has been shown to improve bladderfunction and to reduce urinary tract issues. What this means in terms oftoxicity is a more efficient system of eliminating toxins and other foreignsubstances, thereby protecting your body from the various diseases andhealth conditions that can often arise from a compromised urinarysystem.Copyright 2015, Dr. Roger Jahnke. All Rights Reserved. 17
BREATH PRACTICEGathering BreathTriggers relaxation response, calms and tonifies the Qi, directs Qiespecially to the torso area and chest, enhances upper body lymph flow.Allow yourself to relax deeply during this practice. In China thismovement and breath practice is part of a powerful Qigong methodcalled Marrow Washing, which originated from the famous ShaolinTemple. With this practice, you gather energy (Qi) from nature and thenpurposefully store it in the marrow of the bones, like electrical potentialin a battery.As the hands pass over the body, focus intently on the energypenetrating through the surface of the body, through the flesh andmuscles, and through the surface of the bones to be stored in themarrow. This stored energy becomes an available resource to vitalize theorgans and glands, harmonize imbalances, and heal disease. Allowyourself to float free of concerns and simplify your thoughts. Movetoward a state of equanimity where you are simultaneously cheerful andindifferent.Copyright 2015, Dr. Roger Jahnke. All Rights Reserved. 18
You may want to turn and face the different directions. From the Eastgather the energy of spring, of awakening and sprouting. From the Southgather the energy of summer, of maturing and ripening. From the Westgather the energy of autumn, the reward of the harvest. From the Northgather the energy of winter, of patience and rest.Copyright 2015, Dr. Roger Jahnke. All Rights Reserved. 19
MEDITATIONGathering Nature’s Healing ResourcesTriggers relaxation response, immune system function is triggered byrelaxation, reduces blood pressure.In the relaxation and meditation traditions of ancient cultures, regulationof mind goes beyond simply focusing on the body. In both Qigong (ChiKung) and Tai Chi, one deliberately draws healing energy and the lightof spirit from nature and the universe. Rather than limiting attention tospecific body parts, (as in arms legs, organs, etc.), as in the previouspractices, creative attention is focused on the visualization of thefunction of vital resources (vitality, energy), passageways and gateways.In Traditional Chinese Medicine, it is believed that energy can begathered from water, mountains, trees and the universe through nearly1,000 acupuncture energy gates (points) distributed over the body’sCopyright 2015, Dr. Roger Jahnke. All Rights Reserved. 20
MEDITATIONsurface. The energy of Heaven, called Yang, is naturally drawndownward toward the Earth.The energy of the Earth, called Yin, is naturally drawn upward towardthe Heaven. These two resources are considered to be the essentialenergies of life and health as they circulate and interact in the humanbody. At the surface of the Earth where these energies mix, is the realmof biological life, the biosphere.Start by standing in the Preliminary Posture, sitting or lying down.Breathe deeply. With each inhalation, you are gathering the resource ofoxygen with the breath. At the same time, imagine, visualize or feel, thatyou are also gathering in vitality (Qi) from the Heaven, the Earth and thebiosphere, through thousands of energy gateways. Life energies react toour thoughts and intentions. Current research from numerousdisciplines, particularly on neurotransmitters or “informationmolecules," suggests that this is true.Copyright 2015, Dr. Roger Jahnke. All Rights Reserved. 21
MEDITATIONOn your exhalation, allow yourself to slip deeper and deeper intorelaxation. Visualize the internal healing resources circulatingthroughout your body in the energy channels. You may feel waves ofwarmth, tingling or a flowing feeling. It is not necessary to know thechannel pathways or directions.This all happens automatically. Just celebrate the flow of vitalitythroughout your system. Visualize it going to the organs. You can placeyour hands on the liver, spleen, kidneys, heart or navel, or any area ofthe body that needs attention. You may feel energy or warmth passingfrom your hands into the organs.On your inhalations, you are gathering healing resources. On yourexhalations affirm the power of those resources circulating within toincrease health and vitality.The internal circulation of vitality is always occurring naturally however,when you turn your attention to fostering the natural process ofcirculation, there is an increase. Continue this practice for five to fifteenminutes.Copyright 2015, Dr. Roger Jahnke. All Rights Reserved. 22
MEDITATIONOver the period of practice, you will feel deeply relaxed. Use your mindintention to direct and visualize the flow of the internal healing forces tothe organs or body parts that need the most healing.Mindfulness MeditationMindfulness is a type of meditation that essentially involves focusing onyour mind on the present. To be mindful is to be aware of your thoughtsand actions in the present, without judging yourself.Find a quiet and comfortable place. Sit in a chair or on the floor withyour head, neck and back straight but not stiff. Try to put aside allthoughts of the past and the future and stay in the present.Copyright 2015, Dr. Roger Jahnke. All Rights Reserved. 23
MEDITATIONBecome aware of your breathing, focusing on the sensation of airmoving in and out of your body as you breathe. Feel your belly rise andfall, the air enter your nostrils and leave your mouth. Pay attention to theway each breath changes and is different.Watch every thought come and go, whether it is a worry, fear, anxiety orhope. When thoughts come up in your mind, don't ignore or suppressthem but simply note them, remain calm and use your breathing as ananchor.If you find yourself getting carried away in your thoughts, observe whereyour mind went off to, without judging, and simply return to yourbreathing. Remember not to be hard on yourself if this happens. As thetime comes to a close, sit for a minute or two, becoming aware of whereyou are. Get up gradually.BALANCE HARMONY COHERENCEThe Chinese tell us that health is a result of balance and harmony in theQi. In the West we have begun to say coherence equals optimalfunction.Copyright 2015, Dr. Roger Jahnke. All Rights Reserved. 24
MEDITATIONIt is reasonable to say, then, that coherent function is equivalent to theQigong state of balance and harmony. In the West, until very recently,this concept of inner cooperation or coherence was limited to structuraland biochemical interactions, with just the slightest acknowledgment ofinternal energy currents.The Chinese, on the other hand, have always embraced the notion ofenergetic interaction among the components of the multidimensionalbeing, including the interaction of the energies of the Earth self and theenergies of the Heaven self, which merge in the HeartMind.As we turn the light of science on the Western equivalents for Qi, wefind that coherence, created through practice and intention, is requiredto reach that optimal state. This is a direct equivalent to balance andharmony.Copyright 2015, Dr. Roger Jahnke. All Rights Reserved. 25
THE SUPREME ULTIMATEWe produce the most profound medicine within us. This fact alone isone of the most remarkable medical breakthroughs imaginable. InWestern culture this radical discovery is very recent. In China, howeverthis same breakthrough happened thousands of years ago. A wideawareness of this healer within will change how we care for andmaximize our health as much or more than the mapping of the humanegene will advance medical technology.Add to this the fact that the newest research in heart disease, diabetes,cancer, and even addiction confirms that simply increasing personalhealth activities prevents and heals disease. The personal, social, andeconomic promise of activating the medicine within is astounding. Thebest of modern medicine, plus the miracle of our ability to optimize ourself-healing capacity, bring us closer than ever to the longevity andvitality that the Qi (Chi) masters promised in the writings of the ancientdynasties.With the knowledge of the ancients that the basis of life and health isinvisible energetic interactions and the transfer of subtle life information,it becomes obvious that the future of our personal lives, as well as thefuture of our culture, is being radically shaped. All of science, includingmedicine, is in a phase of exuberant transformation as we embrace theimplications of quantum physics.Copyright 2015, Dr. Roger Jahnke. All Rights Reserved. 26
This exciting picture culminates with the fact that there are practical andaccessible tools that we can utilize at almost no cost to help us takeadvantage of these incredible opportunities for health and personalempowerment. Clearly, the promise of the Qi, inherent to Qigong (ChiKung) and Tai Chi (Taiji), is immense.From individual to culture wide, from youth to old age, from economicto philosophical, the practical applications of Qigong and Tai Chi cancome to bear on a multitude of human challenges. In this intriguingscenario, the absolute necessity of the expert -- the doctor, thetechnician, the healer -- is creatively diminished.Experts won’t disappear, but each of us is empowered to access healingand personal optimization directly. This promises to be one of the mostlife-changing findings in our era.Instead of a breakthrough based on a new product that you must buy ora new technology that you must access through an expert, you becomethe expert yourself in the purposeful management of your own Qi, inyour own home, in your own time, for no cost.Copyright 2015, Dr. Roger Jahnke. All Rights Reserved. 27
Tai Chi and Qigong as appliedmethods for healing and selfimprovement have been usedin times of peace and conflict.Pick from the wide array ofchallenges across numerouscontexts in contemporaryculture and it is likely that TaiChi and Qigong can bea p p l i e d a s i n s p i r i n g ye tpractical tools for resolution.Tai Chi is a special form ofQigong, and Qigong is in mostcases an exploration of theSupreme Ultimate -- Tai Chi.With more than 100 millionpeople practicing Qigong and Tai Chi in China and the potential formillions more in the United States and around the world, it will befascinating to see how well we will use these tools to consciouslydetermine and pursue our preferred future.For more information about Integral Qigong and Tai Chi to maximize yourproductivity and well-being, contact the Institute of Integral Qigong and TaiChi (IIQTC) at 805-617-3390, http://iiqtc.org.Copyright 2015, Dr. Roger Jahnke. All Rights Reserved. 28
The Healing Power of Qi Is Within You From Author of The Healer Within and The Healing Promise of Qi Dr. Roger Jahnke . YOUR BODY, in cooperation with your mind and spirit, is marvelously blessed with miraculous self-healing abilities. The body is the temple of your life. Mind and sp
