Strengthening the Lao Gong (劳宫), or Pericardium 8 point, in the middle od the palm, is an essential in Qigong practices for developing energy flow through the hands. Lao Gong is considered a key energy center in the palms and is commonly used for projecting and receiving Qi. Strengthening this point enhances your ability to transmit energy in healing or martial applications.


Lao Gong (劳宫), often referred to as the "Palace of Labor," is an important acupressure point located in the center of the palm. In the context of qigong and traditional Chinese medicine, it is associated with various healing practices, particularly those involving hand techniques for energy transfer and healing.

Location and Function

Location: Lao Gong is found in the center of the palm, specifically in the middle of the distal crease formed when you flex your fingers. To locate it, you can connect the tip of your index finger with the tip of your thumb to form a triangle; Lao Gong is situated at the center of this triangle.

Function: It is believed to be a powerful point for channeling and regulating Qi (energy). Lao Gong can be used to release stagnant energy, enhance vitality, and promote overall healing.
Healing Hand Practice
The practice of using the hands for healing, often referred to as "healing hands," typically involves focusing on the energy in the hands, particularly through Lao Gong. Here are some key aspects:

Energy Cultivation: Practitioners often start by cultivating Qi within their bodies, using breathing techniques and visualization to enhance the flow of energy to the hands. This can include exercises like standing meditation or specific qigong forms.

Intention and Focus: Healing with Lao Gong emphasizes the importance of intention. The practitioner directs their intention toward the area needing healing, whether it's for themselves or another person. This mental focus can enhance the effectiveness of the healing.

Hand Techniques:

Touching: Lightly placing the palms over affected areas can allow the practitioner to transfer energy, helping to release blockages and promote healing.
Distance Healing: Some practitioners use Lao Gong to project energy at a distance, which can be particularly useful for sending healing to someone who is not physically present.

Movement: Gentle movements of the hands, such as swirling or circling motions, can further facilitate the flow of energy.
Meditation and Visualization: Combining Lao Gong practice with meditation can deepen the connection to Qi. Visualization techniques may involve imagining light or energy flowing from the palms into the body of the recipient, enhancing the healing process.

Integration with Other Practices: Lao Gong can be integrated with other qigong practices or techniques, such as Reiki or Tai Chi, to further enhance its effectiveness.

Benefits

Emotional Healing: The practice can help alleviate emotional stress, anxiety, and other psychological issues by promoting relaxation and emotional balance.

Physical Healing: Lao Gong can be effective in addressing physical ailments, improving circulation, and enhancing recovery from injuries.

Spiritual Growth: Engaging with Lao Gong can support spiritual development by fostering a deeper connection with one's own energy and the energies of others.
Conclusion

Incorporating Lao Gong into your qigong practice can provide powerful healing benefits, both for yourself and others. Regular practice enhances your sensitivity to Qi and strengthens your healing abilities, making it a valuable tool in your holistic health journey. If you’re interested in further exploring this practice, consider finding guided sessions or resources that focus on hand techniques and energy healing with Lao Gong.


1. Opening and Circulating Qi in the Hands

Palm Rubbing Exercise: Rub your palms together vigorously for about 30-60 seconds. This increases blood flow and awakens the Lao Gong points.

Qi Ball Practice: Hold your hands a few inches apart as if cradling a ball of energy. Slowly move your hands together and apart, focusing on the sensations between your palms. Visualize a ball of Qi growing stronger as you inhale and exhale deeply. Feel the subtle warmth or magnetic push-pull force between your palms.

Finger Flicking: Flick your fingers repeatedly while imagining Qi flowing out from your Lao Gong points with each flick. This helps direct energy outward and clears stagnant energy.


2. Standing Postures to Strengthen Lao Gong

Holding the Ball Posture (Zhan Zhuang): Stand in a relaxed posture with knees slightly bent, arms in front as if holding a large ball at chest level, and palms facing each other. Focus your mind on the Lao Gong points, feeling the energy pulsing between your hands. Hold this posture for 5-10 minutes, increasing time as your practice progresses.

Hugging the Tree Posture: Similar to the Holding the Ball posture, but with your hands in a wider circle, as if hugging a large tree. Again, focus on the Lao Gong points and feel energy circulating through your arms and hands.


3. Breathing Techniques for Lao Gong Activation

Microcosmic Orbit with Hand Focus: As you practice the Microcosmic Orbit, direct your awareness to the Lao Gong points when energy flows through your arms and hands. This will enhance the energy flow through these points.

Focused Breathing into the Palms: Inhale deeply and direct the breath mentally into your Lao Gong points. Exhale, imagining energy radiating out of the palms. This visualization strengthens your energetic connection with these points.


4. Using Visualization and Intention

Golden Light Meditation: Visualize golden light filling your Lao Gong points as you meditate. Imagine them becoming bright and radiant, overflowing with energy. Use this technique before and after energy healing, martial arts, or any practice requiring energetic projection.


5. Martial Arts Applications

Striking Practice: In Nei Gong or martial arts, you can train the Lao Gong points by focusing on them when striking a target. Whether shadowboxing or using a striking pad, imagine Qi flowing through your Lao Gong and penetrating the target.

6. Focusing Awareness and Intent on Lao Gong

Start by holding your hands in front of you in a relaxed position. Focus your mind on the center of your palms, specifically on the Lao Gong points.

Visualize energy gathering there as you breathe deeply. This focused intention helps direct your Qi to the Lao Gong, enhancing energy circulation.


7. La Qi Exercise

"La Qi" means pulling or gathering Qi. To do this, start by holding your palms a few inches apart, facing each other. Slowly bring them together and then pull them apart without touching, concentrating on the sensation between your hands.

This exercise increases sensitivity at the Lao Gong and enhances the energy flow through the hands.


8. Ba Duan Jin (Eight Brocades) – First Movement

The first movement of the Eight Brocades, known as "Two Hands Hold Up the Heavens," is excellent for stimulating Lao Gong. When you raise your arms above your head and stretch, you’re also stimulating the energy flow through the Lao Gong.


As you practice, focus on feeling the Qi moving through your palms, especially at Lao Gong.
With consistent practice, you'll feel an increase in energy sensitivity and power in the Lao Gong points. Enhanced Lao Gong points are essential for both healing practices and martial arts applications where the hands are used to emit Qi.