Can I practice Qigong after back surgery?

As far as Qigong practice after back surgery goes, the operative word is “gentle.” Be gentle with your moves, ease slowly into bringing your muscles and tendons back to where they were before the operation. The body can go into a protective mode after such trauma, and this, combined with the natural tightening of muscles and tendons after minimal or no stretching, should alert you to being gentle with you body…and your expectations. Being balanced and careful, you have the opportunity to feel even better than you did before!

Every person is different--every body heals in different ways...and of course, each back trauma is different. Practice your Qigong within the logical and safe constraints of where you are in the healing process and in relation to how you feel.

One of our star students who, after massive back surgery (and being told she’d be paralyzed for the rest of her life) carefully and slowly did her Qigong and is now not only walking, but is teaching regular Qigong classes! we're really proud of her.

I am a big promoter of combining Qigong systems that work for a person. Release yourself of the concept of “different” and go to the essence of a Qigong style…find the physical moves that feel good for you and connect with the principles behind them. Those healing principles--and the associated visualizations and breathing techniques to get Qi moving through your spine and body--are common to all good Qigong systems.

As always, consult your physician or medical counsel before doing any exercise or physical workout. Their opinion should be considered--but they only know what they were taught. We are all learning the incredible power of the mind and body to work together to heal in ways that allopathic traditions in the West are only coming to accept and understand.

I wish you well on your healing journey. Keep the faith!

Peace.