Qi Gong and the Egg Timer: How to Keep Healing Between Treatments

General 1 Minute

“As long as you are awake, you can be mindful.
All it takes is wanting to and remembering
to bring your attention into the present moment.”
— Jon Kabat-Zinn

So you’re getting regular bodywork… but the aches keep coming back?

The problem isn’t you. The problem is the economy. More specifically: hours hunched over a desk, eyes locked on a screen, posture slowly folding in on itself.

Even with good treatments, your body is up against a daily tide of stress, static positions and repetitive movement. Both our body and our mind calcify into the same painful patterns unless we consistently make intentional efforts to shift them.

Enter: the hourly reset

I often suggest patients set a simple alarm every hour. When it goes off, it’s your cue to:

  • Best: Get up, walk around, shake it out.
  • Good: Take 1–3 deep, conscious breaths before diving back in.
  • At least: Notice your body. Are your shoulders creeping up toward your ears? How’s your neck doing?

Qi Gong shaking (a favorite)

Qi Gong has a simple, joyful reset:

  1. Rise up on your toes.
  2. Drop down and let your whole body shake.
  3. Add sound if you want—hum, sigh, or let out whatever noise you want!

It’s about moving energy, loosening tension, and resetting your nervous system.

Alternatively, just put on a song and dance it out.

Why it matters

Your body and nervous system both need regular resets, especially if you’re doing stressful or intense work. These micro-pauses are huge for shifting the pattern of stress solidifying into recalcitrant habits of tension. Without body mindfulness and consistent movement, even the best therapeutic treatment is just a temporary fix.

Conclusion

If you’re investing in regular treatments but not feeling lasting progress, don’t give up. Try adding micro-resets: mindful movement, a shake, or even just one intentional breath each hour.

Because mindfulness is magic and movement is medicine.

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Published by Dr. Michael Dunbar, ND, LAc

Michael Dunbar is a Naturopathic Doctor and Licensed Acupuncturist. Born and raised in Raleigh, NC before going to UNC-CH and graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Public Health – Nutrition. Michael then moved to Oregon to pursue a dual degree of a Naturopathic Doctorate and Masters of Acupuncture. During his time at the National University of Natural Medicine in Portland, OR, he also received his Oregon massage license specific to Shiatsu (acupressure) massage. His path began with a desire to find treatments that did not just mask symptoms but instead help cure disease or avoid becoming sick all together. This search is what led to the significant study and personal testing of a number of dietary regimen. He’s settled on a whole food based approach which can be customized to the needs of each individual. At NUNM, Michael’s education led him to understand that certain lifestyle factors including nutrition, sleep, exercise, and stress management are the keys to health and by focusing on these basics many of the health issues people experience can be avoided or reversed. Another basic principle Michael has incorporated into his healing practice is the healing power of mindfulness. Michael has cultivated mindfulness through meditation, chi gong and Tai Chi, and uses this moment to moment awareness to inform his massage and acupuncture treatments. This mindfulness is how he “gets out of the way” to create a healing space for his patients. In his personal life, Michael enjoys Contra and Blues dancing, weight lifting, and travel. He looks for a balance to maximize health and happiness in each day.

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