Intention
As acupuncturists, when we are learning our skill, we hear quite often that the intention of the practitioner has as much influence on the patient’s health as do the needles themselves. This feeds into many of the energy type medicines where intention is of the utmost importance. If we take a look at Jin Shin, Reiki, Healing Hands, Healing Touch, Qigong Healing - the thought and focus of the practioner is the key to the patient’s healing.
In Jin Shin, there are prescribed series of points that are to be used for specific problems and complaints. However, the length of time spent at any of those points can and will vary based on the in the moment experience of the practitioner. Jin Shin was my second type of energy healing that I learned and it was easy for me because I move my hands when and only when my gut allows it. Some people wait for a pulse sensation at the points, some people have a minute or 2 minute allowance for each point… I have a gut allowance. My stomach says stay, I stay… and vice versa. When preparing to do a Jin Shin treatment with a patient (which is also usually a gut instinct), I really have to take a moment to clear myself out and be open to what the patient is needing at this specific time. The intention (for me) behind Jin Shin is being open, allowing the energy to recycle through you and allowing the changes necessary for the patient to take place. This is sort of a reverse intention. You intend to let it happen, but you’re not always sure what IT is… you’re just willing to be the conduit.
Qi gong healing has many different forms and I will only talk about my personal experience with it, since that is the only thing I really know 
In qi gong healing, the intention is focused through the practitioners hands. Qi gong practitioners can willingly change the output of energy from the palm of their hands and create cooling and warming sensations as they wish. Intention here is very important. Qi gong energy healing was the first one I learned (7 or so years ago now) and I still don’t practice it. I am not ready. It is very very powerful and the practitioner really needs to have clear focus and intention. While it is possible to change body temperature at will, this is something that takes a lot of practice. My energy is still too scattered to harness properly. I have always been very active and in order for me to learn how to deal with qi gong properly, I need to be able to slow down… I think I’ll take a few more years. Anyway… in Qi gong healing the energy is focused from the palms of the practitioner to the point of pain/discomfort/dis-ease of the patient. There is nothing aside from intention going on here.
The point today is to remember that our intentions, no matter what the situation, effect the outcome. As health practitioners, we are constantly reminded to clear ourselves and check in with what our true purpose is at every moment. We must remain open to our patients and allow ourselves to be exactly what each patient needs, right now. But as people, this is just as important. In order for our intentions to be pure, we need to remain in a receptive state. We need to first know the strength and depth of what the people around us can handle at any moment and respect that. This makes for supportive, loving friendships which all of us need for our basic health
<3
July 28 2009 01:00 pm | Articles