The more Chinese Medicine (CM) you know, the better. CM theory encompasses all possible applications of qigong. Whether you are interested in health, martial arts, manifesting your goals or spiritual development, you will be a country mile ahead of the pack—and your own karmic limitations—by investing time to learn the ropes of CM. A true spiritual training would include serious time (one or more years) for this important knowledge. But, given that life is what it is these days—hectic, relentless and largely unforgiving—there’s not much hope for such thorough preparation. Simply: no one has much spare time for anything, much less the rarified pursuit of numinous vistas. So, what to do?
First, marshal your resources. What’s available in your neck of the woods? Are there any good esoteric teachers—especially, someone who understands and teaches aspects of Chinese Medicine such as the five elements (metal, water, wood, fire and earth)? Very many alternative practices include some aspects of qi or CM theory—for instance: yin yoga, craniosacral therapy, many Chinese martial arts including Taijiquan, any qigong class. Or check out an alternative practitioner and work with her or him for a number of sessions to get some basic tutoring (the treatment is just the foil to gain audience). For instance, all acupuncturists have solid CM knowledge and many will be happy to share the basics with you. You can also read widely but it’s best to check in with a mentor for a reality check before you go off and apply your newfound wisdom.