ABOUT QIGONG
What is Qigong?
Pronounced Chee Kung, Qigong is the practice of cultivating or “exercising” one’s own internal, vital energy or life force. We become more intimately aware of the miraculous energy that sustains all of our lives. This practice is facilitated by simple body movements, relaxation and breath, which allow one’s Qi – or energy – to flow smoothly. Qigong helps to eliminate blockages caused by disease, physical or emotional trauma. Similar to Tai Chi – a martial art, Qigong – a healing art, is also known as ENERGY MEDICINE, with emphasis on prevention.
- One of the world’s oldest and most complete systems of healing and self-development
- Based on the concepts of Traditional Chinese Medicine, yet works with the Western Medicine of our existing culture
- A balancing of the Yin and Yang energies in the bodily organ system as a method to stave off illness and disease
- Referred to as “acupuncture without the needles” and “moving meditation”
- A way of learning how to control reactions to stress so that life events are less likely to result in symptoms such as high blood pressure, frustration, or anxiety
- A method utilized to purify, cultivate, circulate, and store one’s Qi
- The art and science of using meditative breath, gentle movement, and meditation to cleanse, strengthen, and circulate the life energy
Because Qigong includes gentle movements that can be practiced from standing, seated, or even supine positions, it is suitable for all ages and physical conditions. Practices can be tailored to individual needs, making it an ideal aid in recovery from illness or injury. Qigong is a form of complementary medicine, working well with other forms of therapy. For thousands of years, the Chinese have observed life processes and relationships between man and his environment. Qigong has developed as a result of those observations.
Is Qigong scientific?
Of all the medical energy practices, Qigong has the most developed theoretical basis and has been subjected to the most extensive research. In China, Qigong has been shown to improve posture and respiration, induce the relaxation response, cause favorable changes in blood chemistry, and improve self-awareness and concentration.
Research suggests that Qigong may be beneficial for Asthma, Arthritis, Cancer, Cardiovascular Disease, Chronic Fatigue, Fibromyalgia, Headaches, Pain in general, Parkinson’s Disease, and a wide variety of other common ailments.
The emotional effect of Qigong may be as important as the energetic effect because the patient feels that there is finally something he can do for himself.
Benefits of Qigong Practice
Increases range of motion, builds strength, increases stamina, improves balance and coordination
- Results in quicker recovery from illness or injury while gaining the skills necessary to take charge of one’s own health
- Improves the functioning of virtually all bodily systems, including immunity
- Increases body awareness; leads to better health and a tranquil state of mind
- Reduces stress and shifts blood enzymes to healthier ph levels
- Increases vitality by conserving energy through a lower metabolic rate
- Slows aging, improving memory and retarding senility
- Reduces possibility of accidental injuries by developing body awareness
- Enhances emotional well-being, relieving depression and anxiety
- Lessens pain and allergies
- Improves circulation by increasing the blood flowing to the brain, hands, and feet
- Increases one’s capacity for a more relaxed breathing pattern
- Promotes restful sleep and improves appetite
Research Links
http://www.qigonginstitute.org for numerous studies on the benefits of qigong
https://www.nqa.org/research-updates
https://www.worldtaichiday.org
Student Praise
Your teaching in words, warmth, humor, knowledge – and body – so strong, moving with smooth flow are so beneficial and timely for me and I know so many others , especially now. ~ Karen Johnson
It is remarkable to me, the sustained and centered energy that I have experienced each day that I have been able to practice! ~ Sally
You are priceless in what you offer… I gain so much from your depth of understanding and presentation and embodiment. ~ Carol
I feel a solid connection to you as you teach online. You feel personal, with me and with the group. Your self awareness and knowledge of qigong is transmitted thru your voice pacing, volume and how you explain the movements. ~ Judy
Your kindness has been one of the most beautiful things for me this year. And your classes were one of the few joys I had to look forward to when I had a very rough spring. This time of turning inward feels good. ~ Anonymous