What is Qi Gong?

Qi gong is commonly referred to as Chinese yoga and has been used for over 5000 years. It is an integral part of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) along with acupuncture, acupressure, and herbal medicine. Millions of people practice Qi gong around the world each day. It is used to successfully treat disease, ranging from osteoarthritis to cancer, and to improve overall health. It is the practice of improving the flow of energy (or Qi) in the meridians in your body through breathing, and sometimes with slow, gentle movements.

Qi gong combines slow graceful movements with concentration and breathing to increase and balance a person’s Qi (or vital energy). It is a mind, body, spirit practice that improves one’s mental and physical health by integrating posture, movement, breathing technique, self-massage, sound, and focused intent. There are thousands of qi gong styles, each with practical applications and different theories about Qi (vital energy) and Gong (skill cultivated through practice). As with the other branches of TCM, the main focus of Qi gong is to eliminate deficiency (associated with chronic illness) and stagnation (indicated by pain) of your Qi through a combination of movement, breathing, and awareness.

How is it Performed?

Qi gong is usually performed standing but it can also be done sitting, lying down, or moving. The main differences between the moving and non-moving forms are additional oxygen intake and exercising additional parts of the body. The slow qi gong movements warm tendons, ligaments, muscles and connective tissues; tonify vital organs; and promote circulation of body fluids. There are thousands of different forms and movements of Qi gong. The easier movements can be learned very quickly. Qi gong requires no special clothing or place to practice, is free, and can be done anytime.

Initially, the dynamic adjustment of posture, breath, and mind is only performed during the time you set aside for qi gong. With practice these adjustments will occur naturally throughout the day, as qi gong becomes a natural part of your life and personal healthcare program.

Benefits of Qigong

Numerous studies have shown that Qigong is effective in relieving a wide range of conditions, such as stress, insomnia, anxiety, high blood pressure and chronic conditions (such as arthritis). Qi gong is especially effective in reducing stress, thereby enhancing the immune system and preventing illness. It is not just a physical exercise system, or a healing technique, but a way of being that helps to change one’s perspective in life; leading to balance and harmony with the world around us.