Qi Gong, like traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) practices such as herbal medicine and acupuncture, is an important component of TCM. The earliest and most authoritative classic work in TCM, the Huangdi Neijing (Yellow Emperor’s Inner Canon), written over two thousand years ago, contains extensive content on Qi Gong. This content informs us that Qi Gong is a self-cultivation method that exerts its disease prevention and treatment effects through mental tranquility and adjustment. Modern scientific research has found that Qi Gong practice significantly relaxes psychological tension, regulates physiological functions across various systems, and prevents and treats psychosomatic diseases. Despite its many benefits, improper learning and practice methods can lead to physical discomfort, and in severe cases, can affect normal work, study, and life. We colloquially refer to the various degrees of psychosomatic disorders caused by improper Qi Gong practice as ‘deviation’ or ‘going off track’. Mental health experts in China refer to this condition as a mental disorder resulting from improper Qi Gong practice.
Manifestations of Qi Gong Deviations:
Qi Gong deviation is a type of mental disorder affecting perception (awareness), emotion (feelings), intention (thought), and behavior. Specific manifestations vary widely, including symptoms such as head heaviness and tightness, chest tightness and shortness of breath, Qi sensation throughout the body, illusions and hallucinations (such as ‘opening the heavenly eye’ or ‘ear function’); emotional states may be abnormally elevated (such as believing one has developed supernormal abilities and attempting to treat others), or abnormally low, with anxiety, tension, fear, and difficulty concentrating; various delusions, such as suspecting others have stolen one’s ‘Qi’, or that one has been afflicted with ‘sick Qi’, or that one is controlled by the ‘Qi’ of a Qi Gong master; increased or decreased actions and speech, impulsive behaviors, such as destroying property or harming oneself based on ‘messages (hallucinations)’ received.
Causes of Qi Gong Deviations:
The process of learning and practicing Qi Gong involves practitioners studying relevant theories and methods of Qi Gong, and under this guidance, engaging in specific practice, gradually reinforcing and solidifying these behaviors into conditioned reflexes in the brain. Thus, the correctness of one’s understanding of Qi Gong and the appropriateness of the practice methods can determine whether deviations occur during practice. Additionally, the practitioner’s psychological quality and physical constitution are also related to the occurrence of deviations.
For example, failing to correctly understand Qi Gong, hoping to gain ‘supernormal abilities’ through practice, and obsessively pursuing a certain ‘Qi sensation’ are the primary reasons for deviations in most individuals. This pursuit is directly related to the sensationalized promotion of Qi Gong by some irresponsible media and self-proclaimed Qi Gong masters. Over the years, the pervasive atmosphere of superstition and pseudoscience has poisoned people’s perceptions, continuously misleading Qi Gong enthusiasts into the depths of mental disorders. Especially when self-proclaimed masters use typical hypnotic suggestion techniques during ‘group practice’, it is easier to alter the perceptions of individuals with hysterical tendencies, leading to mental disorders.
In some cases, the low level of the Qi Gong master and the erroneous principles of the methods they create can also lead to deviations. For instance, some method creators promote the idea that ‘life is movement, all diseases disappear with movement, the more movement the better’, or ‘the power of true Qi is very strong, once activated, it cannot be controlled’, leading many to excessively pursue so-called ‘spontaneous movements’ during practice, resulting in deviations.
Another cause of deviations is that practitioners do not master the key points and precautions of practice, leading to improper practice. For example, practicing without mental relaxation, with muscle tension, overly pursuing a specific breathing method, focusing on inappropriate areas, or lacking mental preparation for sudden stimuli during practice can all lead to deviations.
Furthermore, the practitioner’s psychological quality and physical constitution play a significant role. For instance, individuals who are easily suggestible or have hysterical tendencies may also react to erroneous theories and guidance, resulting in deviations. Those who have long-term depressive moods or psychological disorders, especially those with a history of mental illness or tendencies towards mental illness, are particularly susceptible to mental disorders when entering a tranquil state during Qi Gong practice—similar to a hypnotic state.
How to Prevent Deviations:
To prevent deviations during practice, it is essential to take corresponding measures targeting the relevant aspects that lead to deviations.
First, one should correctly understand that Qi Gong is merely a self-cultivation method that influences one’s physiological functions through self-psychological adjustment. Mastering the correct practice methods can help in health maintenance and the treatment of certain psychosomatic diseases, but Qi Gong cannot cure all diseases, nor can it develop ‘supernormal abilities’. Do not believe the temptations of self-proclaimed masters or irresponsible media, and avoid unrealistic pursuits regarding Qi Gong.
Second, one should consult qualified Qi Gong professionals and avoid casually seeking instruction from self-proclaimed masters. It is important to note that self-proclaimed masters are prevalent.
Choose methods suitable for your constitution and condition, and practice strictly according to the key points and precautions under the guidance of a Qi Gong professional. Do not randomly speculate about whether you are deviating based on effects experienced during practice. Otherwise, such negative self-suggestion can affect your tranquility and even induce deviations.
Individuals with a history of mental illness should avoid practicing Qi Gong; those with psychological disorders should ideally consult a psychologist for assessment before learning Qi Gong to determine their suitability for practice; individuals who are easily suggestible or have hysterical tendencies must practice under the correct guidance of professionals. By adhering to these guidelines, deviations during practice can be completely avoided.
How to Treat Deviations:
Treatment methods for Qi Gong deviations include stopping practice and ideally seeking professional help to correctly understand the causes of the deviations and the current situation. Never seek correction from self-proclaimed masters, as this may delay treatment. Based on correct understanding, treatment can be supplemented with calming herbal medicine and acupuncture. If the results are not satisfactory, a psychiatrist may be consulted for appropriate antipsychotic medication, which can yield favorable results. In cases of severe schizophrenia, hospitalization for systematic antipsychotic treatment is necessary.
Source: Mint Tea Society
