News

 

LEARN THE SECRETS

 

Public television favorite Lee Holden believes that it takes only seven minutes to make changes in the body and the mind that will have a lasting effect throughout the day.  more...
 

-----

 

Newsletter

 

FAQ

 

General Acupuncture Information

Acupunture for Infertility Treatments

Pregnancy Related Conditions

Qi Gong

 

General Acupuncture Information

 

Can acupuncture help me?

Acupuncture has been used for over 3,000 years for the treatment of fertility issues. For fertility issues, many men and women use acupuncture & herbal medicine alone or in conjunction with their treatment at a San Diego fertility center.

Among many other health concerns, acupuncture can be effective for pain relief from back pain, headache, migraine headache, and fibromyalgia. See other conditions that can benefit from acupuncture.

Top ↑

 

What is acupuncture?

Chinese medicine is a complete medical system originating from China more than 3000 years ago. Acupuncture, a therapeutic specialty of Chinese medicine, applies traditional Chinese medical theory to diagnose and treat illness, prevent disease and improve well-being by inserting acupuncture needles at specific points throughout the body.

Top ↑

How does acupuncture work?

According to Chinese medical theory, energy or Qi ("chee") runs through the body and along its surface in regular patterns called channels or meridians. These channels nourish and regulate the functions of the body. When the energy flows freely in these channels, health is maintained. When the energy is blocked or depleted, pain or illness results. Needling acupuncture points normalizes the flow of Qi to help correct internal imbalances in the body.

A more scientific explanation of acupuncture is that the stimulation of certain trigger points on the body by acupuncture needles affects the autonomic nervous system, the vascular and endocrine physiology, and the brain chemistry, as well as the body's production of endorphins.

Top ↑

Is acupuncture painful?

While most people express fear or anxiety of needles before their first treatment, they are surprised by the pleasantness of the acupuncture treatment. Unlike hypodermic needles used for injections, acupuncture needles are very fine - about the thickness of a human hair. There should be very little or no discomfort with needle insertion. For your safety, only sterile and disposable needles are used. There are certain transient sensations, not considered painful, associated with the therapeutic effects of acupuncture which may include euphoria, warmth, tingling, heaviness, distention, or numbness.

Top ↑

How many treatments do I need?

Since each person is unique, the number of treatments will vary. Among the determining factors are the nature, severity, and history of each person's complaint, as well as the general health of the individual. Usually one or two treatments per week are necessary to begin with. Many conditions can be alleviated very rapidly with acupuncture and herbs. Chronic illnesses may require treatment for several weeks or longer. Acute problems generally respond much faster. As in any form of medical care, the patient's attitude, diet, determination, and lifestyle will affect the outcome and course of treatment.

Top ↑

Does medical insurance cover acupuncture treatment?

Some health insurance companies cover acupuncture treatment. You should contact your health insurance company to verify acupuncture coverage. We would also be happy to verify coverage for you. Please call us to discuss the specifics of your situation.

Top ↑

What can I expect on the first visit?

During your first office visit, your practitioner may take a detailed medical history, discuss your symptoms, examine your pulse and tongue, then apply appropriate treatment according to the diagnosis derived from the intake . After arriving at a specific diagnostic conclusion, one or several of the following techniques will be incorporated:

Needles: Thin, sterile, stainless steel needles are placed in specific acupuncture points. The needles are at least five times thinner than typical hypodermic needles and insertion is usually painless. You may feel a dull ache or tingling sensation when the needle is stimulated. Acupuncture is generally a very relaxing experience.

Electric Stimulation: Very low level electrical current may be applied to the needle or to the skin. This is often used for muscle spasms and acupuncture analgesia and to enhance point stimulation in general.

Moxibustion: Moxa is a Chinese herb (mugwort) which is rolled into sticks or cones and burned above the skin. This aromatic herb creates a sensation which is warming and pleasant and regulates the qi.
Massage: Massage and body work are often applied in coordination with needling to release muscle spasms.

Herbs: Herbology is an intrinsic aspect of Oriental medicine. Herbs may be prescribed to reduce acute conditions or as a dietary supplement which will build and strengthen the body.

Top ↑
 

Acupuncture for Infertility Treatments

 

Introduction

As specialists in the treatment of reproductive enhancement, we recognize that every person and couple having difficulty conceiving need individualized treatment because no 2 people present with the exact same issues. With that customized approach, acupuncture treatment can be an effective means to aid conception in many cases of infertility - endometriosis, ovulation problems, unexplained infertility, male factor, poor ovarian reserve, poor egg quality, luteal phase defect, chronic miscarriage, thin endometrium, irregular periods, amenorrhea, PCOD, abnormal uterus.

For the best results, most couples would have greater success trying acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine before attempting more technically advanced methods such as IUI or IVF. However, in certain cases of infertility, especially women with disruptions affecting both fallopian tubes, Assisted Reproductive Techniques (ART) such as IVF should be the primary treatment with support from acupuncture. In general, women are recommended to implement acupuncture for at least 3-6 months before considering more high risk, toxic, invasive, and expensive techniques such as medications, IUI, and IVF. Women often feel the need to do as much as medically possible as soon as possible, often due to a sense of running out of time from aging. However, the majority of women will respond to acupuncture without the need of powerful drugs, often resulting in an easier pregnancy and healthier baby. In cases of male factor infertility, acupuncture can improve sperm quality which will dramatically improve your chance of a natural pregnancy or increasing your success rate with IUI or IVF by improving the quality of the embryo and decreasing the chances of a miscarriage, which are higher in medically assisted pregnancies.

We believe the reason for the significantly higher success rate in our clinic with couples who use only acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine is because these gentle techniques encourage the body to do what it wants to do naturally - that is, to conceive. Balancing the body with emphasis on the hormonal system will allow conception in time. In many women, the repeated use of hormonal medications to hyperstimulate the ovaries can overly stress the body so that fertilization doesn't occur because the eggs didn't have enough time to develop fully or allow the uterine lining to become rich enough in nutrients to allow implantation of the fertilized egg.

However, if you are scheduled to start with assisted reproduction sooner, acupuncture will help improve your chances by decreasing your body's physiological reaction to stress, reducing the side effects of medications, and supporting your uterus for implantation. In these cases, using acupuncture garners more successful results than assisted reproduction technique alone. A recent study published in Fertility and Sterility found that using acupuncture with IVF achieved a 42% clinical pregnancy rate in the test group, compared to 26% in the control group that did not receive acupuncture. This study involved giving acupuncture for just one day, shortly before and after the transfer of embryos. Clinically, this rate increases to at least 60% with broader support of both Chinese herbs and acupuncture in preparation for and support throughout the IVF procedure. Read about the medical studies supporting the efficacy of acupuncture in treating infertility affecting women and a recent article written on the efficacy of acupuncture being used in conjunction with IVF.


How acupuncture & herbs can help throughout the IVF cycle

 

  • -Before (3 months prior to cycle) – in women, improve egg quality and regulate hormones; in men, improve semen quality & quantity

  • During – increase the # of follicles & improve the quality of the uterine environment by relaxing uterine muscles & thickening uterine lining

  • After (once pregnant) – prevent miscarriages and minimize symptoms common in the first trimester
     

Chinese medicine can help to improve the success rate of IVF in a number of ways

  • Improve the function of the ovaries to produce better quality eggs

  • Regulate the hormones to produce more follicles & decrease FSH levels

  • Increase blood flow to the uterus to promote follicular development & implantation of the embryo

  • Regulate estrogen & progesterone levels to thicken the uterine lining

  • Relax the patient & decrease their stress which helps prevent the uterus from contracting, thereby improving the implantation process and preventing miscarriage

  • Decrease the side effects of fertility medications used in IVF

  • Help the ovaries respond better to the stimulating medications by producing more follicles & good quality eggs. (Clinically, Chinese medicine can help the ovaries at least double the # of follicles.)

  • Strengthen the immune system to decrease the likelihood of miscarriage
    Improve semen quality & quantity to improve the health of the embryo, which in turn reduces the risk of miscarriage
     

Chinese medicine is very successful in treating many gynecological disorders that accompany and contribute to infertility, such as:

  • irregular menstruation

  • amenorrhea

  • endometriosis

  • uterine fibroids
    metrorrhagia due to anovulation

  • PCOD

  • abnormal uterus

  • unexplained infertility

Source: Acupuncture & IVF , Lifang Liang, O.MD., Ph.D., L.Ac.

Acupuncture has the following potential fertility-boosting benefits:

 

  • Increase blood flow to the uterus and therefore uterine wall thickness, an important factor for fertility

  • Increase endorphin production, which, in turn, promotes the release of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) to regulate reproduction
    Lower stress hormones responsible for infertility

  • Normalize plasma levels of the fertility hormones: follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteininzing hormone (LH), estradiol (E2), and progesterone

  • Normalize the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis, a key process in fertility

  • Combats polycystic ovarian syndrome

     

Source: "Role of acupuncture in the treatment of female infertility."by Dr. Raymond Chang, Dr. Pak Chung, and Dr. Zev Rosenwaks. Fertility and Sterility. 2002 Dec;78(6):1149-53.


Acupuncture may improve the pregnancy rate of ART (Assisted Reproduction Therapy), according to a recent study. The results showed a clinical pregnancy rate of 42.5% (34 of 80 patients in the acupuncture group), whereas the pregnancy rate was only 26.3% (21 out of 80 patients) in the control group without acupuncture.


Source: "Influence of acupuncture on the pregnancy rate in patients who undergo assisted reproduction therapy." Dr. Wolfgang Paulus et al. Fertility and Sterility. 2002 April;77(4):721-4.


Acupuncture can improve sperm quality (motility and concentration) and fertilization rates in assisted reproductive technology.


Source: "Influence of acupuncture on idiopathic male infertility in assisted reproduction therapy." Dr. M. Zhang et al. J Huazhong Univ Sci Technolog Med Sci 2002;22(3):228-30.

 

How does acupuncture help treat infertility?


Acupuncture affects the central nervous system to regulate the pituitary and the hormonal system. Acupuncture also promotes circulation of blood and energy throughout your body, especially to the reproductive organs (ovaries, uterus, testicles) which is extremely important to help you conceive. Some manifestations of poor blood and energy flow are: premenstrual symptoms, ovulatory pain, endometriosis, blocked tubes, fibroids, clotting in the menstrual blood, headaches associated with your cycle, high FSH levels, and suboptimal sperm analysis. While the above signs and symptoms in and of themselves will not necessarily be the primary cause of your inability to conceive, they do reveal internal blockages of energy and blood which may contribute to infertility.

More on infertility ↑ or Top of Page ↑

 

How long will it take for me to get pregnant?

Most patients (men and women) need a minimum of 3 months of treatment with most couples conceiving between 6 to 12 months. For women, consistent treatment is important so specific hormonal adjustments can be made at each week of the cycle using acupuncture and herbs. Missing a week of treatment may lose an important opportunity to heal a particular segment of the four-phase menstrual cycle (menstruation, follicular phase, ovulation, and luteal phase). A minimum of three consecutive cycles (twelve treatments) begins to regulate a woman's system regardless of biological age. However, if you will be using acupuncture with ART, the treatment period will vary depending on the success of the procedure. If the procedure is unsuccessful, most continue acupuncture for as long as they want to try to conceive. Because of the cumulative healing effect of acupuncture and its ability to increase one's fertility quotient, most patients continue acupuncture for the duration of time that the individual is trying to conceive. Remember that trying to get pregnant is a statistical game. The more you try, naturally or with ART, the better your chances are. This applies to acupuncture as well – the longer you allow it to correct and balance your body, the better your chances are – naturally or with ART. Therefore, the couple must expect to devote six to nine months to consistent treatment before evaluating results. There is no quick path when it comes to conception and full-term pregnancy of a healthy child, but it's well worth the wait.

More on infertility ↑ or Top of Page ↑

 

When during my cycle should I get acupuncture done? Should I come just before ovulation?

Acupuncture treatments should be done on a regular basis throughout your cycle. You can expect a limited effect by receiving acupuncture only around ovulation time. Compared to many of the fertility drugs which provide a powerful effect for a short duration, the immediate effect of acupuncture treatment is, in general, very subtle. The cumulative effect from regular acupuncture treatments, however, can produce significant long lasting benefits.

More on infertility ↑ or Top of Page ↑

 

Do you use different types of acupuncture treatments depending on the time of the cycle?

The treatments are often slightly modified in order to induce more specific effects depending on the time of the cycle. For example, one specific acupuncture protocol may be used after ovulation to maintain a low stress level and to support embryo implantation. Another protocol may be used before ovulation to promote timely ovulation and proper development of the follicle and egg.

More on infertility ↑ or Top of Page ↑

 

I use an ovulation predictor kit. Why should I bother to take my temperature and check my cervical mucus?

Recognizing the changes in the cervical mucus alerts you to your most fertile days since fertile mucus precedes ovulation. The fertile mucus thus indicates that ovulation is about to happen at which point the ovulation predictor kit (OPK) can be used to confirm the approximate day of ovulation. This can allow you to decrease the number of strips used from the kit. The basal body temperature (BBT) chart records the temperature of the body on waking and confirms that ovulation has occurred. For more detailed information on how to decipher your body's signs, read "Taking Charge of Your Fertility" by Toni Weschler. Recording these changes over time will build an individual profile which is informative especially if you have difficulty conceiving as these are diagnostic tools used by an acupuncturist knowledgeable in infertility treatment. Any irregularities in the temperature and fertile mucus can be effectively addressed with acupuncture and herbs.

More on infertility ↑ or Top of Page ↑

 

If aging negatively affects fertility, how will acupuncture impact the aging of my eggs?

There is a strong correlation between age and reproductive health. However, it is important to remember that there are two types of aging: chronological and biological. While everyone ages at the same speed chronologically, the biological aging process differs greatly among each individual. That is the reason why each woman goes into menopause at a different time of their lives. So while it is generally true that the quality of a woman's eggs declines as she ages, eggs of some women in their forties can be excellent quality due to slow biological aging.

 

It is not possible to stop chronological aging, however, we can definitely influence the progress of biological aging. Abusive lifestyle factors such as poor diet, smoking, stress, and insufficient sleep all accelerate the cell oxidation and the biological aging process. Practicing a healthy lifestyle in addition to regular acupuncture treatments will have a positive impact in slowing down the aging process.

More on infertility ↑ or Top of Page ↑

 

My FSH is too high. Does acupuncture correct hormonal imbalance?

An increasing number of women are visiting acupuncture clinics seeking help in correcting the hormone imbalances (FSH, LH, progesterone, prolactin etc.) they are suffering from.

Regular acupuncture treatments can be very helpful in regulating hormonal imbalances, although it should be noted that acupuncture does not directly alter the female hormones. Rather, acupuncture is considered to influence the hormonal regulation centers in the brain and autonomic nervous system (i.e., the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis) and as a result, improvement in hormonal status can occur over time.

More on infertility ↑ or Top of Page ↑

 

As I receive a series of treatments, how do you and I know that acupuncture is working for me?

If you are not presently on hormones, we recommend that you record your basal body temperature (BBT) every morning. The BBT chart is not the best method available to detect the exact time of ovulation, however, it is an excellent method to get an idea about the female hormone fluctuation pattern and can be used as a one of the indexes to know your progress by observing changes in the BBT pattern from month to month.
As mentioned earlier, the focus of our acupuncture approach is to help improve overall health. Therefore, as patients receive a series of acupuncture treatments, many of them experience easier menses and enhanced feelings of well-being such as more restful sleep, better digestion, decreased anxiety, increase of energy, etc. These physical and emotional shifts can only positively influence the chance of conceiving regardless of whether one is trying naturally or undergoing medical reproductive treatment.

More on infertility ↑ or Top of Page ↑

 

Where are you going to place the needles?

The location of acupuncture points will vary from patient to patient and from treatment to treatment. Some of the most well-known acupuncture points, traditionally used to influence the function of the female reproductive organs, are located on the lower back, lower abdomen, and legs. The points on the lumbar, sacrum, and low abdominal regions are particularly important in consideration of female anatomy and the related nerve segmental innervations. The points on head, neck, upper back and arms are used in order to stimulate autonomic nervous system and further induce the relaxation response.

More on infertility ↑ or Top of Page ↑

 

What else is important in addition to receiving acupuncture?

Regular Quality Sleep - Having regular quality sleep is extremely important for fertility as studies show low fertility rates and early pregnancy losses among shift workers. Regular, quality sleep is particularly important if a woman is suffering from an irregular menstrual cycle, anovulation, amenorrhea, or PCOS, all of which can be considered to be part of a biological rhythm disorder.

 

Stress and Relaxation - Despite the well-known link between infertility and stress, anxiety, and/or depression, the importance of stress management and relaxation is often underestimated. We believe stress contributes, at least to a certain degree, in almost all cases of primary infertility, unexplained failed IVF, and unexplained miscarriages. Prolonged stress over the years can lead to the conditions that cause infertility. Stress hormones such as catecholamines (adrenalin, noradrenalin, and dopamine) and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis interact with hormones which are responsible for normal ovulatory cycles (ie., GnRH, prolactin, LH and FSH). Furthermore, some hormones that are released during times of stress can cause the uterus to contract and/or negatively interact with immune cells, both of which will interfere with proper implantation.

 

Regular practice of stress management and relaxation exercises is very important. However, in this day and age, everyone is exposed to all kinds of stress and realistically it is impossible to avoid stress. In fact, the medical tests and treatments for infertility are some of the major sources of stress for many women trying to conceive.

More on infertility ↑ or Top of Page ↑

 

Do my medications affect my fertility?

Some medications may decrease your fertility because they can adversely affect the fertile cervical mucus produced around the time of ovulation.

  • Birth control pills - even after the return of regular periods, the cervical mucus produced after being on the pill may not allow the sperm to gain entry to the cervix

  • Antibiotics - can allow an overgrowth of vaginal candida or thrush

  • NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) - can decrease the amount of fertile mucus by lowering the prostaglandin levels

  • Antidepressants (including SSRIs such as Prozac, Paxil, Zoloft, Celexa, Lovan, Luvox, Cipramil, and Aropax) - can reduce the number of days of fertile mucus production

  • Antihistamines - can dry fertile mucus, since they work by drying most of the mucus membranes in the body

  • Clomid - inhibits the function of the mucus-producing glands in the cervix

  • Acupuncture and herbs can be effective in restoring the fertile cervical mucus, thus increasing your fertility. Treatment which emphasizes quantity and quality of fertile mucus is especially important if sperm numbers or motility are low. An environment which maximizes survival of sperm and encourages entry to the uterus may be all the advantage sub-optimal sperm need.

 

Drugs can also affect male fertility:

  • Alcohol - decreases sperm count

  • Cigarettes - decreases sperm count and motility

  • Antibiotics - decrease sperm count, motility, and normal morphology

  • Antidepressants (SSRIs such as Prozac, Paxil, Zoloft, Celexa, Lovan, Luvox, Cipramil, and Aropax) - damage sperm DNA thus decrease normal morphology

  • Calcium channel blockers (used to treat hypertension, chest pain, migraines) - inhibits the sperm from penetrating the egg

  • Antihormones: finasteride (Proscar, Proprecia), flutamide (Eulexin), spironolactone (Aldactone)

  • Chemotherapy - decreases sperm count and motility, damages existing sperm

  • Cimetidine, also known as Tagamet®, (used to treat stomach ulcers or reflux disease) - decreased sperm counts and decreased sexual performance.

  • Diuretics (used to increase urine output to relieve swelling, treat hypertension, and some other purposes)

  • Cholesterol lowering medications

  • Anabolic steroids - decreases sperm count

  • Narcotics

  • Marijuana - decreases sperm count and seminal fluid
    Cocaine

  • Some pesticides

More on infertility ↑ or Top of Page ↑


Should my husband be treated?

It is estimated that men are responsible for up to 50% of infertility among couples. Despite scientific medical advances, the cause of 40% to 50% of males with infertility is unknown with little to no available medical treatment, leaving IVF as the only option. In our practice the majority of women pursue IVF because of male factor infertility. If the semen analysis shows decreased sperm count, motility, poor liquefaction, or low levels of normal morphology, acupuncture & herbal medicine can address these issues successfully. Recent studies have shown acupuncture can improve semen abnormalities in concentration, motility and/or morphology. If the men had sought appropriate treatment at the onset of the diagnosis, it is most likely they would not have needed IVF and would have been able to conceive naturally. If the only reason a couple can't conceive is due to male factor infertility, then acupuncture and herbal medicine should be considered as a primary approach.

If your partner/husband is unwilling to seek acupuncture treatment, we highly recommend that he come in for an herbal and nutritional consultation. Although not as effective as treatment in combination with acupuncture, taking herbs and supplements can still improve abnormal sperm parameters.

More on infertility ↑ or Top of Page ↑

 

Why should I come to you? You are not on my list of in-network acupuncturists covered by my insurance.

As a specialist in reproductive enhancement, I have taken it upon myself to pursue advanced training in the treatment of infertility with acupuncture and herbal medicine. Most acupuncturists are general practitioners and will be able to give you sufficient care. However, because of their lack of familiarity with fertility issues, your results may take longer and not be as successful since the inexperienced infertility practitioner will be learning as he/she treats you, costing you precious time and money. Fertility does not mean just the ability to conceive. Remember that pregnancy is only the first step to achieving the end result of having a healthy baby. The comprehensive approach involves conceiving and then nurturing a pregnancy to full term, by preventing miscarriage. (Note: Miscarriages are higher in medically assisted pregnancies.) In addition, I also know how to specifically increase your success rate if you are using assisted reproductive techniques (ART) such as IUI and IVF. – Julie Chang, L.Ac.

More on infertility ↑ or Top of Page ↑

Pregnancy Related Conditions

Is acupuncture safe during pregnancy? Can it harm the baby?

Acupuncture, like any form of medicine, has precautions and contraindications. If performed properly and by adequately trained practitioners who have experience in treating pregnant women, acupuncture is an extremely safe procedure. There are virtually no potential complications or side effects, even in children and during pregnancy.

More on pregnancy treatments ↑ or Top of page ↑

 

How can acupuncture help in pregnancy?

Acupuncture can alleviate many of the conditions experienced during pregnancy which are often considered "par for the course", and for which effective remedy is rarely offered. Common pregnancy-related conditions treated with acupuncture include nausea & vomiting, aches & pains (e.g. back, carpal tunnel, sciatica), headaches & migraines, fatigue, heartburn, and anxiety/stress.

More on pregnancy treatments ↑ or Top of page ↑

 

Does it hurt and how often would I need treatment?

Depending on the severity, frequency of treatment may range from 1x/week to daily until the symptoms are resolved or at least manageable. As the needles are inserted, you should feel no to little sensation. Many patients are so comfortable with the needles that they fall asleep during the treatment.

More on pregnancy treatments ↑ or Top of page ↑

 

I have heard that moxibustion can be used to turn breech babies. Is this true and how is it carried out?

Yes, this is true. Studies confirm the effectiveness of moxibustion (greater than 70% success rate) to turn breech babies, a technique used for centuries in China. Moxibustion involves burning a herb close to the skin at specific points known to stimulate the baby's movement. It is most successful when used from 32 to 34 weeks.

More on pregnancy treatments ↑ or Top of page ↑

 

Can acupuncture be used for induction of labor?

Acupuncture can be safely used to induce your baby, but it is advisable only when you have reached your due date and not before. It appears to be most effective seven to ten days after this date. Treatment can be effective immediately and up to 60 hours after treatment.

More on pregnancy treatments ↑ or Top of page ↑

 

What conditions can acupuncture and Chinese medicine help with after delivery?

  • Acupuncture can help to restore the mother's energy levels after the stress of the birth, and can help with:

  • Postpartum depression and anxiety

  • Postpartum fatigue

  • Pain (backache or pain of the vaginal tissues)

  • Insufficient lactation or excessive milk production

  • Mastitis

  • Hemorrhoids

More on pregnancy treatments ↑ or Top of page ↑

 

Qi Gong

 

Where do I start? Which of the Qi Gong DVD programs is best for me?

 

You can start with any of the DVD programs. Qi Gong for Beginners has more flowing movements than any of the other programs, so it might be the easiest place to start if you are not comfortable with this form of exercise or if you are not experienced in performing regular exercise. Qi Gong for Upper Back & Neck Pain and Qi Gong for Low Back Pain have more stretching exercises designed to help with easing tension in specific regions of the body. The Qi Gong exercises in the back and neck pain DVD's might be slightly more challenging than the exercises in Qi Gong for Beginners, and if you are not accustomed to stretching, you might prefer to ease into those exercises more gently. The Qi Gong for Stress DVD contains a balance of flowing and stretching movements and might offer a good intermediate step between the Qi Gong for Beginners DVD program and the stretching-oriented Qi Gong for Upper Back & Neck Pain and Qi Gong for Low Back Pain programs.

More on Qi Gong ↑ or Top of page ↑

 

I've never tried Qi Gong before. Will I be able to follow along if I don't know what I'm doing?

 

Qi Gong is based on conditions occurring in nature, such as flow and balance. An "all-or-nothing" approach does not belong in the practice of Qi Gong! You might begin by choosing just one section from any of the Qi Gong DVD programs, getting started with only a few of the Qi Gong exercises. If your time is limited, consider setting aside just ten minutes to offer yourself and your body to a relaxing, invigorating Qi Gong health break. Treating your body to even ten minutes of stretching, breathing, movement, and relaxation is better than not doing anything at all. As you begin to enjoy the Qi Gong practice, you will find yourself wanting to do more and more of the exercises in the DVD's and to progress to exercises from the other DVD's, so that you might enjoy as many of the movements and stretches as possible.

 

More on Qi Gong ↑ or Top of page ↑

 

Do I have to do all the exercises on the DVD to get the full benefit of the Qi Gong program?

 

Qi Gong is based on time-honored conditions occurring in nature, such as flow and balance. An "all-or-nothing" approach does not belong in the practice of Qi Gong! You might begin by choosing just one section from any of the Qi Gong DVD programs, getting started with only a few Qi Gong exercises. If your time is limited, consider setting aside just ten minutes a day to offer yourself and your body a relaxing, invigorating Qi Gong health break. Treating your body to even ten minutes of stretching, breathing, movement, and relaxation is better than not doing anything at all. As you begin to enjoy the Qi Gong practice, you will find yourself wanting to do more and more of the exercises in the DVD's and to progress to exercises from the other DVD's. Over time, you might find yourself wanting to enjoy as many of the movements and stretches as possible.

 

More on Qi Gong ↑ or Top of page ↑

 

I struggle with back pain, neck pain, or shoulder pain. Is Qi Gong safe for me?

 

If you are already experiencing back pain, neck pain, or pain in another region of the body, you should be very gentle with yourself and begin any exercise program gradually. Qi Gong for Upper Back & Neck Pain and Qi Gong for Low Back Pain have stretching exercises designed to ease tension in specific regions of the body. These Qi Gong exercises for back and neck pain might be slightly more challenging than the more flowing exercises in Qi Gong for Beginners, particularly if you are already experiencing pain in one of these areas. If you are not accustomed to stretching or if you are already in pain, you should make sure to use particular caution in easing into the Qi Gong exercises more gently.

Watch the Qi Gong program all the way through at least once before performing the exercises. Watching the program in advance of participating will help to familiarize you with the Qi Gong movements, increasing your overall comfort level and ability to follow along. The Qi Gong stretching programs include exercises appropriate for people at varying levels of fitness and flexibility. Some Qi Gong stretches will be perfect for your level, and some might be appropriate for more advanced Qi Gong participants.

Pick the exercises that feel comfortable and appropriate to your fitness level, and skip the ones that you find difficult until you feel more comfortable with these exercises. Ease gently into the stretches, particularly in your first times through the Qi Gong programs, and do not feel compelled to try everything and "make it" through the whole program.

Don’t do any stretches that are uncomfortable. The Qi Gong programs are designed to work for you over time, and their varying levels of exercise provide room for growth over time. Consider beginning with one section of the DVD at a time and adding more sections as your comfort level with Qi Gong increases.

Don’t do any exercise that feels too strenuous for you. Don‘t push yourself to perform any of the stretches if they are not comfortable, and "listen to your body," as pain is a valuable warning signal. Make sure to do the exercises slowly, and be careful getting on and off the floor if you are not accustomed to regular movement and exercise. As always, you should discuss exercise plans with your physician before embarking on new routines, and you should never push yourself beyond your "comfort zone." If you are unsure of yourself or of your level of fitness, caution, patience, and gentleness are important watchwords!

 

More on Qi Gong ↑ or Top of page ↑

 

I have other medical problems. Will Qi Gong help me?

 

We believe that Qi Gong represents one component of an integrated practice of strengthening mind, body, and spirit, and improving overall health. Of course, we remind our customers that Lee is not a medical doctor in the western sense, and that eastern healing is not a substitute for western healing. Lee is a Doctor of Chinese Medicine, and he offers acupuncture, eastern healing, and herbal remedies. Many people report a sense of relaxation, healing, and well-being from Lee’s programs and from Qi Gong in general.

We suggest starting with the Qi Gong Flow for Beginners DVD to make sure you enjoy the exercise and feel comfortable with it. Qi Gong Flow for Beginners is the easiest of Lee’s Qi Gong DVDs, as all of the exercises are done in a standing position. It is possible to modify these exercises so that you can do them from a seated position, from a chair or wheelchair, for instance.

Lee’s other Qi Gong DVD’s would add variety to your practice, addressing a broader range of symptoms across the whole body. The other DVDs do include exercises done while seated and lying on the floor. We recommend watching all of the exercises prior to performing them.

 

More on Qi Gong ↑ or Top of page ↑

 

Where can I find a Qi Gong class in my neighborhood?

 

There are undoubtedly many wonderful practitioners and teachers of Qi Gong throughout the US, and certainly throughout the world. Unfortunately, we do not have a list of Qi Gong teachers or centers, although we would love to build one. Perhaps try a web search using the terms "Qi Gong" and the name of your town or city. Also, a phone call to a local acupuncturist or to the National Qigong (Chi Kung) Association (1-888-815-1893) might be helpful.

 

More on Qi Gong ↑ or Top of page ↑