Qi Gong

The Chinese have studied the energy of the human body for 1000’s of years. Central to this analysis of energy and its behaviour is the concept of Chi (or Qi).

Qi can appear to have several meanings, such as ‘air’ or breath’ but is most commonly used to represent the concept of ‘vital essence’, ‘life force’ or energy.

This vital essence, or energy, is not restricted just to human beings but is believed to be the natural manifestation of the fundamental energy of the whole universe.

The word Gong can be translated as practice. Thus Qi Gong, we might define as any practice which is concerned with moving Qi. It could be described as an exercise to stimulate the cultivation and flow of energy internally within the body, so that it effectively flows through and clears the entire network of chi channels or meridians, which in turn benefits our health and wellbeing.

If you have ever had acupuncture, the acupuncturist locates specific points along energy channels within the body, called meridians, and then needles these points to balance energy. As an acupuncturist uses needles, a Qi Gong practitioner uses movement and exercise in order to aid this balance.

Why it Qi Gong useful?

There are many reason that you might give for practicing Qi Gong; to improve physical health and fitness, longevity, personal defence or spiritual development. Some even say they practice to improve their ability as a healing practitioner.  Even though there might be a particular emphasis on one of these reasons, it does not mean that the other benefits are excluded, just that there is more focus on a particular aspect.

When Qi runs smoothly through our bodies we remain healthy, if our Qi becomes stagnant or weakened ill health or injury can result. The Chinese believe that Stagnant Qi can manifest as physical, emotional or mental dysfunctions and can contribute to numerous illnesses.

Some benefits of Qi Gong:

Musculo skeletal System – Through the gentle & unstrained movements of Qi Gong, the synovial fluid is stimulated within the synovial joints. This aids lubrication of joint such as the spine, shoulder, wrists, hips and knees – feeding their articular surfaces, being especially helpful for arthritic conditions. The muscle, ligaments, tendons and fascia have time to adapt and stretch allowing them to change shape and release without being torn or strained.

Improved Cardio pulmonary function – It is not only hard physical exercise that accomplishes this. The combination of slow movement and deep regular breathing can increase the efficiency of the heart and lungs. Thus, transporting oxygen more efficiently to the capillary beds and into the bodily tissues.

Improved Vascular Function – QI Gong is thought to increase the elasticity of blood vessels improving vascular function, regulating blood pressure and easing the workload of the heart.

Better Posture – The foundational posture of Qi Gong  is about finding a relaxed yet alert body alignment. In doing so, we are no longer working against gravity which further aids relaxation of body and mind.

Eases Stress and Balances Emotion – Qi Gong tends to induce a calm and peaceful feeling which in itself creates better health. Calming the emotions, reducing the release of stress related hormones thus inducing balance of the hormonal and nervous systems.

Aids Relaxation – Qi Gong is about effortlessness and inner power, real power is seen as coming from the inner relaxation and chi flow which is frequently restricted by “overworked or tight” muscles.  Less is more!

Helpful if you have a sedentary lifestyle – sitting for too long weakens the body, creating sluggishness and effecting your ability to remain awake and alert. Qi Gong was taught to Buddhist monks as to just sit in meditation they would not have enough energy and strength to remain awake/ alert.

Strengthening the Organs – Some exercises are specifically designed to improve function of different organs of the body but most have more than one beneficial effect.

There are many different styles of Qi Gong, but they have their heart in the same principle. To work with the energy systems of the body and benefit our health and wellbeing.

There is no ‘right or wrong’ way to practice. If you look at how the hummingbird flies, rapidly beating its wings, compared to the swan graciously opening its vast wing span, almost walking on water to take flight. Which of these birds is flying ‘right’?!? Neither. Each has its own unique way of being.

Qi Gong teaches the middle path, no extreme. It teaches the 70 % rule. Practicing Qi Gong movements up to 70 % of your full capacity, with no over excersion, over extending of joints, limbs or your breathing.

All to often, we further push, or force, our way through life trying to achieve some future goal – unknowingly creating a cycle of further imbalance and illness.

Ironically, the more that we can relax, the more energy, flexibility, strength and clarity we have!

Qi Gong, can be practiced for just a few minutes a day, or for longer periods of time 2-3 times a week. Ultimately, it can be used as a method to introduce into everyday activity, aiding not only our health but flow and ease in life.