Chi Gung and Psychotherapy: A Valuable Combo
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Among practitioners of medicine in China it is considered an established fact that the practice of Chi Gung produces tremendous emotional stability and resilience. This effect of chi gung is virtually unknown in the United States. If it were, clinical psychologists and psychiatrists would, in many cases, prescribe chi gung first to establish a higher baseline of emotional functioning before prescribing drugs.

It is not that drugs and the various forms of therapy are not valuable. Of course, they can provide tremendous benefit. But why not first observe how the patient presents himself or herself with an optimally functioning energetic and glandular system? Proceeding this way would make nearly all forms of therapy more successful, and when drugs are necessary it may mitigate their side effects. Hopefully, it will be only a matter of time before Western psychologists acknowledge and routinely utilize what is known in China as a reliable way to promote and maintain mental health.

Stephen Josephs, Executive Coach and Leadership Trainer, San Anselmo, CA
 
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