Qi Gong in nursing school

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Specializes in ER, Med-Surg.

We have a crazy/hippie/out of the box teacher that makes us do some sort of meditation/breathing exercises/qi gong everytime we have class. At first I thought it was nuts, but now I enjoy when we take 15 minutes and go outside in the grass...even if we do look silly!

So my question is, do any of your teachers do this also?

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No, I've never had a Prof do anything like that.

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No but I would love something like that, especially before a test as a relaxation technique. One prof sometimes leads a prayer session before exams for those that want to pray though. I'm not religious so I would much rather the Qi Gong

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Specializes in Gerontology, nursing education.

The biggest concern that I would have is that adherents to some conservative faith traditions don't feel that certain alternate or complimentary practices are congruent with their beliefs. A student should have the right to opt out of such a practice if he/she feels that it is in conflict with his/her beliefs. The student who thinks this is weird or too New Age should also be respected; however, it is important for students and instructors to be open-minded to new ideas. In other words, don't just dismiss a practice or idea as silly and give it a chance before you make a final judgement.

OP, if you have no spiritual conflicts with this practice, it may be beneficial for you---even if that benefit is simply getting out of the classroom out into the open air for a while. Again, I think that anyone who has a concern about this or any practice being a violation of his/her beliefs should be able to opt out of the practice without negative consequences or reproach from the instructor.

I do think it's a great idea to get outside as a class and get a little exercise and some fresh air. But I probably would not start a class with Qi Gong or any other practice that could violate a student's belief system.

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hmm interesting! My psych teacher would provide coloring books and crayons for us last semester. Sounds silly.. but it really helped!

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Specializes in Gerontology, nursing education.

I'm not sure I'd feel comfortable with the prayer, either, because of the risk of offending those who have differing beliefs (or no particular religious belief). I can see it in a faith-based school but think it could be a problem at a state school.

Coloring sounds like a fun way to relieve a bit of stress! I'm sure there are some students who think it's silly, but, if it blows off some steam, why not?

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Qi Gong is just an exercise, it has nothing to do with religion. It helps you to breath from your stomach and not your lungs, it also directs you to move your upper and lower extremities in a way that relieves tension. I love how your professor incorporate this to the class, what a good way to wake up and be alert. I should consider this before I take a test. LOL!

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Qi Gong is just an exercise, it has nothing to do with religion.

It depends on how fundamental someone might be. Qigong practice is used by Taoists and Buddhists so for some it may be in conflict with their religion. Similar to how yoga is in conflict with some people's religion. It just depends on how much of a fundamentalist that person might be. I certainly don't meant fundamental in a negative way. I guess the best way to say that might be how strictly someone interprets their religion. I've seen people reject yoga and accupuncture as being a part of another religion therefore in conflict with their own.

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It depends on how fundamental someone might be. Qigong practice is used by Taoists and Buddhists so for some it may be in conflict with their religion. Similar to how yoga is in conflict with some people's religion. It just depends on how much of a fundamentalist that person might be. I certainly don't meant fundamental in a negative way. I guess the best way to say that might be how strictly someone interprets their religion. I've seen people reject yoga and accupuncture as being a part of another religion therefore in conflict with their own.

Hm...never thought of it that way. But I guess you are right, it can conflict with people with other religious beliefs. :lol2:

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Our program does that. I can't relax because it's so hard for me to try not to laugh while they describe tropical beaches. But its sweet they want to help us not be as stressed. Going out in the grass sounds fun though! Our teachers just shut the lights off :/

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Specializes in ER, Med-Surg.

Well it is not optional, we are graded on our participation in this! I do not personally believe this is related to religion, it is more about centering yourself and focusing on your breathing. It has not caused any problems with any students so far. Our other teachers don't know what the heck we're talking about when we try to tell them about it though lol.

I think she is trying to open our minds (and it has worked) when it comes to CAM.

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