Qigong is a traditional Chinese practice with Ancient Indian influences; it combines postures, breathing and mental focus to promote overall health and well-being. It is suitable for all ages.
The word “Qigong” (气功) is composed of two Chinese characters: “Qi” (气) means vital energy or life force, and “Gong” (功) means skill or cultivation (together pronounced as “chee-gong”, UK). Therefore, Qigong can be translated as “cultivating one’s vital energy.” Breath is the most vital component of Qi, and it is properly cultivated through Qigong exercises.
Qigong basically helps balance and boost the body’s energies, it can strengthen the body’s immune and regeneration systems, revitalising and harmonising one’s physical, biological, mental, sexual and even spiritual energies holistically. Many people practice Qigong for these potential therapeutic benefits and to support their overall well-being.
Research on Qigong suggests potential health benefits in various areas. For instance, it has been observed to help improve movement, walking ability and balance in individuals with Parkinson’s Disease. Proper body control and coordination are fundamental aspects of Qigong and vital to achieving the desired physical, mental and energy-producing effects of the practice. For those with chronic heart issues, incorporating Qigong into routine management has improved cardiorespiratory fitness, exercise tolerance, and quality of life. The practice can also benefit older adults by enhancing physical ability and potentially impacting depression, balance and functioning.
Qigong has shown efficacy in balance training and fall prevention, as well as in managing symptoms in people with cancer, improving fatigue and sleep quality, and possibly affecting anxiety, stress and overall quality of life. Additionally, there’s evidence suggesting Qigong could improve cognition and memory, and may aid in mental health management in substance use disorders. (Source: NCCIH).
People practice Qigong for various reasons, including stress reduction, improved energy and vitality, pain management, relaxation and even inner, spiritual growth. It is considered a safe and low-impact practice for people of all ages and physical abilities.
Qigong isn’t just meditation in motion, it’s also therapy in motion.
Qigong has a history spanning thousands of years and is rooted in Chinese culture (and Indian) and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). It is often categorised into different styles, each with specific techniques and movements.
Some of the common elements of Qigong practice include:
- Proper (deep) Breathing: Qigong emphasises controlled and mindful breathing into the diaphragm, often coordinating breath with movement to enhance the flow of qi. The Qi is primarily the breath.
- Postures and movements: Qigong includes a series of slow and deliberate movements that may be standing, sitting, or lying down. These movements help improve balance, flexibility, and posture.
- Meditation and mindfulness: Participants focus their attention and intention during Qigong exercises, often visualising the body’s energy flow.
- Relaxation: Qigong promotes relaxation and stress reduction, helping to release tension and foster a deepening inner calmness.
- Self-massage: Some Qigong routines incorporate self-massage (acupressure) techniques to stimulate specific points on the body.
Qigong practice, emphasising deep, slow breathing and gentle movements, induces a safe and comfortable state of relaxation with awareness. Some Qigong practices involve intention and visualisation, focusing on specific mental images (like walking along a beach or in a lush meadow) or positive affirmations.
Different styles of Qigong exist today, such as Medical Qigong, Daoist Qigong and Buddhist Qigong (see: Qigong Styles), each with its principles and techniques. While Qigong has Zen-Buddhist and Taoist roots, the system taught nowadays, including here, is not restricted to any particular religious faith and belief system (i.e. it is secular); in this way, everyone can enjoy it equally.
Your Qigong Energy is Cultivated to grow and flow from within.
No two people do Qigong in the same way, as there are no two of us in this world. Each person is seen as an individual whose style and technique will naturally vary based on their personality and condition; this uniqueness is seen as very special and is valued and encouraged to develop as it will.
Qigong is visceral; you have to feel it from within – the moves you make in time happen naturally as a beautiful, flowing expression of your character, soul, inner peace, comfort and relaxation.
There is no such thing as perfection in Qigong; you do the movements as it feels comfortable and suitable for you. Seeking perfection is often stress-inducing (and usually frowned upon by psychologists), but being happy with simply doing what flows from within you is often the most meaningful, and from that, various health benefits can arise.
Over time, even thinking of the technique stops, so you find yourself at one with simply doing it – like a beautiful waterfall that cascades down and flows as it will.
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