Qi-Laxation

Qi-Laxation is a very simplified adaptation of the full Zu Qigong technique. It is accessible to therapist and non-therapist alike and was originally created for nursing staff to use when assisting patients who were experiencing anxiety and distress within the hospice where I was working.

As the name suggests this technique is designed to use the power of Qi – the vibration of life – to assist with achieving deep relaxation of mind and body.

Touch plays a significant role in maintaining our physical and mental wellbeing and when used appropriately can be a powerful tool for communication, something that we have all become much more aware of over the past year with lockdowns etc and the impact that lack of physical contact and isolation has had on the wellbeing of everyone, especially the most vulnerable in our communities. We all know how comforting it can be to experience a “hug” from a loved one when we are feeling vulnerable, or the calming effect of stroking a pet cat or dog. Simply having someone to hold your hand when feeling frightened can reduce anxiety.

Therapies such as massage and reflexology could be described as the art of touching and can be a wonderful way to relax and overcome stress, easing away aches and pains. However, these therapeutic modalities often use firm pressure which can, at times, be uncomfortable for the recipient and do require professional training to be used safely. Simple gentle touch techniques, however, require only a basic understanding combined with some practise, and can be equally beneficial. These techniques are particularly suited to achieving deep relaxation, and when given with care and positive intention can provide a powerful outcome.

Gentle touch techniques are often referred to as energy therapies, as opposed to massage which uses a much firmer pressure/touch applying mechanical energy i.e., push, pull, twist, press.

Using only very light touch, energy therapies are believed to transfer the natural energy that circulates through and around the human body. There are many different terms for this energy; bioenergy, Qi, Prana, Ki – all have the same meaning and originate from the languages of ancient cultures around the world who have recognised the significance of touch and energy in maintaining health and wellbeing for thousands of years. Zu Qigong is based on Traditional Chinese Medicine theories and philosophy and therefore uses the term Qi.

Qi-Laxation uses gentle touch, applied with fluid movements to guide Qi through some of the main energy points and pathways that are present in the feet. Over the years this technique has proved to be very successful in inducing deep relaxation, so whether you are looking to help friends and family members relax in these stressful times or are a trained therapist exploring energy techniques as a way to enhance your practice, Qi-Laxation offers a simple approach that is easy to learn and share.

From the professional therapist's perspective, Qi-Laxation offers a brief introduction to the Zu Qigong non-clinical approach to energy work - tapping in to the deepest energy pathways in the body, the Extraordinary Vessels, focusing primarily on delivering Qi into the Extraordinary Vessels, demonstrating the beneficial impact that incorporating these pathways can have on the depth and speed of relaxation.

Comprised of 12 steps, the Qi-Laxation PDF guides you step by step through the technique - working sequentially to deliver Qi into the Extraordinary Vessels, completing the session with a brief connection to each of the regular foot meridians, which is achieved by simply holding the individual toes for a few seconds. (Many reflexologists will be familiar with "toe holding" * Chi-Reflexologists * use the technique to achieve energy balance, whilst others will be familiar with "The Brazilian Toe Hold")

(*Chi-Reflexology * training with Moss Arnold in 2006/7, as mentioned in the history of Zu Qigong page, provided the foundation for my journey into the world of TCM  - further information about clinical reflexology and Chi-Reflexology training can be found at https://www.chi-medics.com)

Concerned that you might not get the "sequence" correct - then please don't worry, as with everything in life, you will improve with practise. If you realise that you have missed out part of the sequence or perhaps did it in the wrong order, remember that this technique is designed to deliver energy into the network to achieve optimum flow and to encourage relaxation, if you make an error in the sequence the worst that will happen is that the recipient may not get as much benefit as we would hope for…..so relax, any gentle touch given with positive intention will be beneficial - so please give it a try!

I am always interested in hearing your feedback so please feel free to drop me an email and let me know how you get on.