Acupuncture and Qigong as Complementary Medicine: A Daily Practice for Balance, Healing, and Longevity
Yesterday I posted an upcoming qigong and acupuncture workshop on March 1st at the Fairfield Library. I hope you can join us!
I noticed that my patients who do some sort of qigong or tai qi practice, get better results from their acupuncture sessions which prompted me to write this article.
In the landscape of integrative medicine, acupuncture and qigong stand out as two time-honored practices rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). When combined, they offer a powerful, complementary approach to health—one that not only treats symptoms but cultivates long-term balance through daily self-care.
While acupuncture works externally to regulate the body’s systems, qigong empowers patients internally through mindful movement, breath, and intention. Together, they create a sustainable model for healing and wellness. Qigong is the Yin to Acupuncture’s Yang.
THE SHARED FOUNDATION: QI AND BALANCE
Both acupuncture and qigong are based on the concept of Qi, the vital energy that flows through meridians in the body. According to TCM, pain, illness, and emotional imbalance arise when Qi becomes blocked, deficient, or stagnant.
Acupuncture uses fine needles to stimulate specific points along the meridians, restoring proper Qi flow.
Qigong uses gentle movements, breathwork, and focused awareness to circulate and strengthen Qi from within.
When practiced together, these modalities reinforce one another—acupuncture opens pathways, and qigong keeps them flowing.
ACUPUNCTURE: REGULATING THE NERVOUS SYSTEM AND HEALING PATHWAYS
From a biomedical perspective, acupuncture has been shown to:
Modulate the autonomic nervous system
Reduce inflammation
Improve circulation
Promote endorphin and neurotransmitter release
Research suggests acupuncture can positively influence conditions such as chronic pain, anxiety, fatigue, digestive disorders, and insomnia. By creating a parasympathetic (“rest and digest”) response, acupuncture prepares the body for deeper healing and makes it more receptive to daily practices like qigong.
QIGONG: DAILY MOVEMENT AS PREVENTATIVE MEDICINE
Qigong is often described as meditation in motion. Unlike strenuous exercise, it is accessible to people of all ages and physical abilities, making it ideal as a daily health practice.
Regular qigong practice has been associated with:
Reduced stress and cortisol levels
Improved balance and coordination
Enhanced immune function
Better emotional regulation
Increased energy and mental clarity
Scientific studies have shown qigong to be beneficial for managing chronic conditions such as hypertension, fibromyalgia, anxiety, and depression, largely through its effects on the nervous system and inflammatory pathways.
WHY ACUPUNCTURE AND QIGONG WORK BETTER TOGETHER
Acupuncture sessions may occur weekly or biweekly, while qigong can be practiced daily. This creates a rhythm of care:
Acupuncture corrects imbalances and jump-starts healing
Qigong maintains those improvements between treatments
Patients who practice qigong alongside acupuncture often report longer-lasting results, faster recovery, and a greater sense of control over their health. In this way, the practitioner and patient become partners in the healing process.
MAKING IT A DAILY PRACTICE
Incorporating qigong into daily life does not require large time commitments. Even 5–15 minutes per day can make a meaningful difference. Simple routines focused on breathing, spinal mobility, and gentle joint movements are often recommended, especially following acupuncture treatments.
This daily engagement reinforces the body’s natural healing mechanisms and aligns well with acupuncture’s goal: restoring balance rather than chasing symptoms.
A HOLISTIC APPROACH FOR MODERN LIFE
In a fast-paced world marked by chronic stress, acupuncture and qigong offer a grounded, sustainable approach to health. One provides skilled, targeted intervention; the other fosters daily awareness and resilience.
Together, they form a comprehensive system of complementary medicine—supporting not just recovery from illness, but the cultivation of long-term vitality and well-being.