In the past year, 84% of adults reported feeling overwhelming and prolonged stress. In these turbulent times, it’s safe to say that people experience stress that affects them mentally, emotionally, and even physically. It’s important to make time to de-stress daily, but people lead such busy lives it’s sometimes hard to find more than 10 minutes.
Fortunately, with Qi Gong and Tai Chi, that’s all the time you need.
What is Qi Gong?
Qi Gong (pronounced “chee-gong”) is an ancient Chinese healing practice that literally translates to “energy work.” It combines meditation and controlled breathing with slow, gentle movements. Qi Gong has been practiced for thousands of years by people around the world to improve physical and mental health, as well as longevity.
It’s believed to treat various health conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, insomnia, back pain, and more. In traditional Chinese medicine, poor health is a result of blocked energy. Qi Gong helps you release this energy so it can flow freely throughout your body.
Qi Gong and Tai Chi involve repeating sets of precise movements to rejuvenate and strengthen the body. Since it is specifically designed to create a positive effect, even a few minutes a day can enhance your health.
Types of Qi Gong
There are many ways to practice Qi Gong based on your needs and capabilities, but it can be divided into two main categories: active and passive.
Active Qigong
Active or dynamic qigong uses controlled and coordinated movements with breathwork to enhance yang energy. Active Qi Gong involves using gentle yet intentional movements to promote blood flow, balance, flexibility, strength, lymphatic drainage, and mindful awareness of the self.
Passive Qigong
As a counterpart to active qigong, passive qigong focuses on yin energy. Yin energy is about embracing the self through stillness by cultivating Qi energy. Rather than physical movement, this form of Qi Gong focuses more on mental movement—cultivating and creating the flow of Qi energy through calm breathing.
Core Facets of Qi Gong
Body. Qi Gong uses flowing bodyweight movements to stimulate specific organs and acupuncture points. These movements are designed to improve blood flow, release tension, and improve the function of joints and connective tissue.
Breath. Qi Gong movements are done in conjunction with slow and controlled breathing. The combination of the two allows the individual to connect to the present moment.
Mind. An important component of Qi Gong is intent. All the movements have to be done with a mental visualization of the intent of the practice. This mental focus makes Qi Gong not just about body or mind, but rather a seamless combination that turns it into a moving meditation.
Benefits of Qi Gong and Tai Chi
Appropriate for all ages and physical abilities.
Reduces stress and anxiety.
Increases balance, strength, and flexibility.
Increases production of natural opiates like serotonin and dopamine.
Reduces blood pressure.
Improves digestion.
At Universal Healing Arts, we help you nourish your mind, body, and soul with holistic healing. We offer full-service healing services to build a community where people can reconnect with their inner selves and spread kindness and joy. To see how Qi Gong/Tai Chi can help you live a happier and healthier life, get in touch!
Tai Chi, Qigong Now on Zoom Tuesday's at 7pm