The 5 Pillars of Chinese Medicine … Pillar 5 – Exercise Therapy
Pillar 5 – Exercise Therapy
Movement is key to keeping the body loose and strong, and is vital to keeping the flow of energy in the body smooth! In Chinese medicine, there is a connection between the flow of Qi and blood in the body. It is said that Qi moves the blood and provides the energy needed for proper circulation of blood through the body. We all know that having good blood circulation is vital to our health and well-being, and that lots of health issues will pop up when that flow is impeded and slowed down. Acupuncture certainly helps with getting stuck qi and blood moving again.
In order to keep everything in circulation, your acupuncturist may recommend different movements that you can do at home in between your acupuncture sessions. Acupuncturists try to keep exercises simple and doable so that following through at home is easier. Often, we will show simple Qi Gong exercises to target the channel/organ systems we see that may be out of balance. Our acupuncturists are also trained to recommend specific exercises to target specific muscles when we identify muscle imbalances. If your acupuncturist recommends these, be sure to follow through, as they can help to speed up your healing process. If you have questions, ask us at your next appointment. Often, we can send along links to YouTube videos or certain handouts when needed.
Not only will our Acupuncturists recommend specific exercises, but they will also often recommend getting daily movement in general. Whether that is gentle walking, swimming, biking, or resistance training, all of our acupuncturists agree that getting people more active is key to their overall health. Regular movement and exercise not only get the qi and blood we already have flowing, but also help boost our Qi and energy levels, helping us feel more vitality and giving us the energy to live more fully.
Your acupuncturist is trained to help you in more ways than just the acupuncture itself! Your practitioner is trained to help guide you back into balance using the Five Pillars of Chinese Medicine…Acupuncture, herbs, body work, diet, lifestyle, and exercise therapy. Call today to find out more and discover a path towards better health. 910-636-6716