Meditation is a relatively simple form to learn and to perform and anyone of any age can quickly learn and reap the benefits that is has to offer, it has many forms with the simplest of these relying on focusing on something with the intention of making all other thoughts and feelings leave the mind.

One of the most widely used practices feature focusing the mind on the breath, this is usually achieved by counting the breathing pattern and focusing on how the breath feels as it enters through the nostrils and as it leaves through the mouth.

By focusing in this way on one particular point, the mind comes to rest and when the mind comes to rest then so does the body. When the body is at rest it is at peace and so the mind and body becomes as one in total harmony.

A traditional part of Chinese medicine is a technique that involves the burning of a small spongy herb known as Hogwort in order to promote healing. It is a technique which has been used throughout China and Asia for thousands of years and the purpose behind Moxibustion is to strengthen the blood and therefore promoting good health by allowing and encouraging the flow of the Qi throughout the body.

What does Moxibustion involve?

There are direct and indirect methods of Moxibustion, the direct method involves a small cone shaped amount of , being placed on the tip of an acupuncture needle and burned. However, this type of Moxibustion is then divided into two different categories scarring and none scarring. During none scarring Moxibustion, the Moxa is placed on the tip and burnt but then quickly extinguished or removed before the skin is burnt.

There are four basic processes which the Chinese practitioner of medicine will use in order to diagnose illness, the four areas which are known as the four examinations are observation, listening and smelling, questioning and palpitation.

Observation

This part of the examination will begin the moment the patient walks through the door and this way the practitioner can gain a lot of information regarding the patient and form an initial impression. During this part of the examination the practitioner will gain information and determine the seriousness of the illness based on four principles.

Qi gong is a similar form of Chinese medicine or therapy to Tai chi in that it requires those practicing it to learn a series of movements or exercises in order to maintain a healthy body and mind by keeping the Qi flowing freely throughout the body.

Qi gong however differs from tai chi in that the exercises don’t have to be performed in any strict routine or pattern. Qi gong is more about learning how to distribute the Qi evenly throughout the entire body in order to improve the health and harmony of both the mind and body.

Tai chi is one form of Chinese medicine that is fast gaining in popularity due to the many health benefits that can be gained by people of all ages. Tai chi is often described as yoga combined with meditation and although it originally derived from martial arts, it is a slow and graceful form of exercise and is wonderful therapy.

What exactly is tai chi?

The form is practiced by making a series of slow, graceful, continual, fluid movements, where muscles, the joints and breathing are all in unison. The movements have a sedative effect on the central nervous system which in turn has a stimulating effect on other parts of the body. It is known as a calming technique which de stresses the body and mind and when practiced properly in the correct form the Qi energy is increased dramatically.