Today I'd like to focus on why I switched programs. There aren't nearly as many Qigong programs as there are Acupuncture Schools, so there's not much information out there about the types of programs and the selection process. Maybe my experiences might be helpful to others thinking about studying Medical Qigong.
You can go so far as to get a formal Doctorate or Masters in Medical Qigong, but there are also many certificate programs. If you have flexibility and can move, you can take your pick of many programs, big and small, and be more selective. In general, you can learn more about the program by finding out about the person running the school. Who was THEIR teacher? What style of Qigong are they teaching? Are the styles more martial or maybe more quiescent? Is there a heavy spiritual component or is the focus more on tangible forms and memorization? Does the program build on itself slowly or is the focus on learning a lot quickly? I could go on and on.
It's also helpful to know the ancestry or lineage of the healing modality or martial art. When learning these healing arts, we become linked with the transmission of energy, so it is important to choose a lineage that resonates with you.
I discovered the style and method that worked best for me, after completing several courses at The Healing Tao. I preferred a program that slowly built on qigong forms and concepts that were repeated throughout the duration of the program. By nature, my mind goes 1000 miles/min, so I needed repetition, slowness, and concepts that built on each other. I needed to slow down and learn by experiencing the Qigong forms. During that time, I was also facing a lot of fear, so I needed to learn how to build confidence in myself as a practitioner through regulated clinical experiences and one-on-one teacher support. These were all aspects that I received when I switched to Aiki Healing. The Healing Tao was a wonderful program and I learned a lot, but we are all unique snowflakes with different learning styles and needs, so no one program can ever be right for everyone.
I am filled with gratitude for my experiences at both the The Healing Tao and Aiki Healing and I would not be here now if it weren't for both programs.