Qigong (pronounced chee-gong also spelt chi gung or chi kung or neigong) is a form of gentle exercise practised to keep people healthy and reduce tension. Movements are repeated to softly stretch the body, increase fluid movement (blood, synovial and lymph) and build awareness.
The effectiveness of qigong to develop life force has been proven in China by its beneficial impact on the health of millions of people over thousands of years. Modern Western scientific trials back this up with clinical evidence.
When you practice and learn a qigong exercise there are both external movements and internal movements. It is these internal movements which make qigong a superior health and wellness practice and differentiate it from almost every other form of exercise in the West.
For most people, the most obvious benefit of qigong is an exercise system that actively promotes relaxation, stress relief, improved balance and flexibility and the relief or prevention of chronic health problems. The range of maladies that have been helped by qigong in China include cancer, internal organ ailments, poor circulation, nerve pain, back and joint problems and general physical disease.
Many physical problems are at least partially due to, or aggravated by, mental or emotional stress, so the importance of the inner tranquility developed through qigong cannot be overestimated. The practice of qigong helps manage the mental states that unsettle you when your chi/life force is not regulated and balanced.
Qigong is also useful on the spiritual level. Feeling the energy of your body makes it possible for you to access the energy of your thoughts and emotions, and for those who also want to explore a path of meditation this can ultimately lead to comprehending the energy of the spirit. Qigong is practiced by people of all spiritual and religious persuasions.
The 18 move Shibashi Tai Chi Qigong movements are traditionally performed with music and are relaxing and easy to follow,and is practised around the world by millions of people. It is based on some of the movements from Yang style tai chi chuan and this gentle, flowing qigong exercise set is deeply relaxing and pleasant to perform.
Dragon and Tiger is a 1,500 year old form of health qigong, primarily used as a form of self-healing, or preventative exercise. It is also one of the best methods for learning how to feel your energy body.
Good breathing habits are widely considered to be essential components of health. Unfortunately, many people take shallow breaths, only using a portion of their lungs and often hold their breath when they become nervous or tense.
Breathing well is vitally important to your health. The system was taught to us by Bruce Frantzis who says that if you only ever do one thing to improve your health, learning to breathe well would be the best choice.
