What is Qi Gong?
Qigong is an ancient practice that can benefit the mind, body, and spirit. It derives from Traditional Chinese Medicine and philosophy.
Similarly to other traditional Chinese practices, qigong derives from the idea that qi, or life force, flows through the body. If qi becomes blocked, stagnant, or flows too quickly, it can lead to health issues. Qi Gong aims to restore balance within the body by combining deep breathing with a series of ‘energy flow’ exercises.
Qigong has four components:
- breathing techniques
- body postures
- guided imagery
- meditation
Qi Gong is one form of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). It is an ancient healing practice dating back about 4,000 years. The literal translation of Qi Gong is “breath work” or “energy work”. In other words, gentle breathing combined with movement. It is a mind body practice.The intention is to help relax the mind and mobilize the body’s energy. You don’t need to subscribe to the underlying beliefs of Qi Gong to enjoy the health benefits. However, understanding the concepts can make sense of the approach. For example, Qi is an energy force thought to flow through the body.
There are many different styles and methods of Qi Gong. It is unlike conventional exercise. The movements and postures are not designed to burn calories or increase heart rate. Instead, Qi Gong is an art that helps to improve circulation, balance, posture and alignment.
How does it work?
Using a combination of stances and movements, Qi Gong combines internal focus and breathing patterns. In this way, it promotes healthy the flow of energy (Qi). According to TCM, stagnant or blocked Qi causes imbalances in the body’s functioning. Consequently, these imbalances cause illness. On the other hand, a strong flow of Qi enables the body to begin it’s natural healing process.
Regular practice boosts health by increasing body-awareness. This awareness aids the flow of energy through vital meridians or pathways. In turn the flow of energy helps to release blockages in the body.
Qi Gong for mental wellbeing
Qi Gong for wellbeing does not solely focus on exercise and physical health. It is a mind body practice which incorporates mindfulness, meditation, breathing regulation, and movement. All of these have general links to stress reduction and mental well-being. Several studies have also found that practicing Qi Gong can reduce anxiety and depression symptoms.
Additionally, qigong may help with mental health by activating the parasympathetic nervous system. This is the part of the nervous system that induces a state of rest and relaxation.
The Movement In Mind approach
The sessions in our programme aim to bring balance and harmony to body, mind and emotions as well as improving strength, posture and balance.
Among the Health Qi Gong forms we offer are:
Vision Improvement Qi Gong
Ma Wang Dui
Yi Jin Jing
