Qigong
What is Qigong
The art of Qigong (chi gung or chi kung) originated over 5,000 years ago and is based on the principles used in acupuncture and traditional Chinese Taoist medicine. It is a form of light exercise that involves repeated movements, practiced breathwork, stretching, and increasing fluid movement within the body. Qigong is the term for a practice aiming at maximizing the flow of energy in a natural, efficient way. It is a great solution in removing physical and mental blockages and/or unhealthy energies trapped inside you. The beauty of Qigong is that it re-connects you to nature. Our bodies work best when operating in tandem with nature and it’s natural properties.
Five Principles of Qi Gong:
- Posture
- Relaxation
- Breathing
- Concentration
- Movement
Qigong works toward resetting the body to neutral by releasing blockages in the energy flow. A variety of techniques are used to achieve this.
- The body is regulated through posture
- The mind is regulated through focused concentration of mental activity (meditation), quiet and relaxation
- Breath is regulated by the movement of the limbs and self-massage
This is a form of light exercise that involves repeated movements, practiced breathwork, stretching, and increasing fluid movement within the body. By doing this, qigong restores the flow of energy in the body and helps us become aware of the flow of our own life force energy, or chi.
Benefits of Qigong
Qigong is a perfect antidote to the effects of current lifestyle trends. Today’s world is fast-paced and runs on stress, fast food, and too little sleep. This combination has a devastating effect on our bodies and has been shown in countless studies to lead to a plethora of chronic illnesses and mental health issues.
Practicing Qigong retrains the body and mind to truly relax… In this state of calm, the body can heal itself. Many other physical benefits follow the practice of Qigong as a lifestyle including increased strength, stamina, range of motion, and flexibility. It also improves the function of the immune system, digestive system and enhances healthy sleeping patterns. Mentally, it hones the ability to concentrate, which is vital for effectiveness in everyday life. It also helps to deal with managing anger, stress, anxiety, depression, and negative thoughts.
Origin of Qigong
The power of qigong has been demonstrated in China over thousands of years and has been seen by its tremendous health benefits for millions of people across the globe. Developing the life force energy, or chi, is the main focus of Taoism. For most, the main benefits of qigong come from the relief or prevention it provides for a multitude of chronic health issues.
Remember why you are training:
- Good health = The unobstructed free flow of abundant Qi and blood
- Developing Qi will improve your body’s functions
- Live long, return to youthfulness