How Qigong Works in Recovery From Addiction

Qigong is thought to cultivate vital energy and guide it to areas of the body needing healing and balance. Through focused intention, gentle movements and controlled breathing, you can cultivate Qi — energy — and enhance its flow and potency.

Qigong techniques include:

• Meditating and concentrating: Your mind plays a vital role in directing Qi to the right areas, meaning you must practice mindfulness and focus to cultivate, control and guide energy flow. As you perform the therapy often, your concentration can improve.
• Performing specific movements and forms: Qigong features distinct motions and forms to facilitate the consistent surge of energy along 12 primary meridians or pathways. Each movement activates a particular meridian to stimulate Qi flow.
• Breathing: Deep abdominal breathing enhances mental focus, while the reverse abdominal technique boosts energy circulation.
• Standing postures: These poses align the body to promote the proper surge of Qi to certain areas and regulate it.
• Massaging and acupressure: Gently pressing acupressure points along each meridian can stimulate and balance energy flow.

The Potential Benefits of Qigong for Addiction Recovery

Qigong for alcohol addiction and other substances can support recovery in the following ways:

• Improved physical health: Qigong techniques can boost blood circulation, lymphatic drainage, immunity, respiratory function, coordination, range of motion and strength, which can streamline recovery. The therapy also regulates blood pressure and balances the parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems.
• Enhanced mood: Practicing Qigong delivers a workout that releases endorphins into the body, improving mood and promoting relaxation. These happy chemicals can lessen stress, anxiety, low energy, and other mood disorder symptoms.
• Increased sleep quality: Qigong therapy can induce deeper and better sleep, promoting mental, physical and emotional healing.
• Lessened chronic pain: Improved blood circulation and relaxation can ease discomfort. We combine Qigong with yoga, acupuncture and other therapies to address physical pain and substance dependency.
• Better emotional regulation: Mindfulness can reinforce mental resilience over time, enhancing emotional awareness and regulation. These skills can help you uphold recovery post-treatment.  
• Reduced discomfort: Qigong can ease withdrawal symptoms by stimulating relaxation, providing better sleep and improving health.
• Increased sense of community: Practicing this therapy in a group can foster a sense of belonging and camaraderie, facilitating better emotional and mental health.