Southwest Florida's Health and Wellness Magazine Health and Wellness Articles
By Alik Minikhanov, AP, DOM
Within holistic healing, acupuncture has long been celebrated for its effectiveness in promoting physical and mental well-being.
But, the true magic unfolds when acupuncture is seamlessly woven into a tapestry of complementary therapies such as Qigong, Reiki, and massage.
This harmonious integration and holistic approach is a part of my signature therapy, Acu-healing.
This article will explain how Qigong, Reiki, massage therapy, and acupuncture are woven together.
Qigong: Nurturing the Ebb and Flow of Energy
Qigong, an ancient Chinese practice, focuses on cultivating and balancing vital energy, or Qi. When combined with acupuncture, Qigong amplifies the energy flow initiated by acupuncture needles.
Qigong is comprised of four elements: physical training, active relaxation, focused attention, and controlled breathing.
Studies show that while each element may have a different effect and benefit, they must be used together to bring the most benefits.
The short- and long-term effects, such as lowered blood pressure, decreased levels of cortisol, and decreased stress levels, Qigong provides compound the benefits of acupuncture seamlessly.
Qigong also improves cognitive functioning, decreases anxiety for both chronic and momentary states of anxiety, and improves sleep quality, which in turn decreases fatigue and exhaustion.
An exciting benefit of Qigong is its ability to increase parasympathetic activity, which helps the body rest and digest and directly contrasts the sympathetic system. The sympathetic system responds to threats and prepares the body for strenuous physical activity, that fight or flight feeling. There is a direct way to combat the sympathetic system without using pills or supplements.1
In the simplest terms, the parasympathetic system reverses the work the sympathetic system does.
What makes activating the parasympathetic nervous system exciting is that Reiki, massage, and acupuncture all do the same thing.
Reiki: Channeling Universal Energy
Reiki enhances the energy transfer initiated by acupuncture needles when integrated with acupuncture.
A practitioner’s gentle touch serves as a conduit for additional healing energy, intensifying the therapeutic effects of acupuncture.
Research indicates that Reiki effectively stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, as evidenced by quantifiable outcomes such as lowered heart rate, decreased blood pressure, and heightened heart rate variability.2
Another dimension of holistic care—is massage therapy, which extends beyond a mere self-care day to intricately address muscular tension, promote relaxation, and synergize with acupuncture for comprehensive physical and mental well-being.
Massage Therapy: Relaxing and Releasing Tension
Massage therapy is more than a self-care day; it alleviates muscular tension, promotes relaxation, and complements acupuncture by addressing your physical and mental health.
By itself, massage therapy can lower the amount of cortisol, the hormone produced when your body is stressed, in your body3 and promote the release of serotonin.
Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that diminishes depressive feelings and enhances the body’s capacity to combat pain, anxiety, and sadness.
Relaxing the body with massage therapy makes it more receptive to the benefits of acupuncture.
The synergy between these modalities results in a comprehensive approach to pain relief, stress reduction, and overall well-being.
Harmony in Healing
Incorporating Qigong, Reiki, and massage into acupuncture sessions creates a powerful synergy beyond the sum of its parts.
The holistic approach addresses the physical symptoms and the energetic and emotional aspects of health. As practitioners and clients embrace this integrative approach, the potential for healing and transformation becomes boundless.
The combination of acupuncture, Qigong, Reiki, and massage is a testament to the profound impact of holistic healing when diverse therapeutic approaches work in harmony.
Call 239.322.3817 to schedule your free initial consultation with Dr. Alik.
References:
1 “Individual Stress Prevention through Qigong.” International Journal of
Environmental Research and Public Health, vol. 17, no. 19, 2020,
https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17197342. Accessed 17 Nov. 2023.
2 McManus, David E. “Reiki Is Better Than Placebo and Has Broad Potential As a
Complementary Health Therapy.” Journal of Evidence-based Complementary
& Alternative Medicine, vol. 22, no. 4, 2017, pp. 1051-1057,
https://doi.org/10.1177/2156587217728644. Accessed 17 Nov. 2023.
3 “Can Massage Relieve Symptoms of Depression, Anxiety and Stress?” Mayo
Clinic Health System, 29 Jul. 2022, www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/
hometown-health/speaking-of-health/massage-for-depression-anxiety-and-
stress#.
