What is Qi Gong?

Qi Gong is an ancient Chinese health care system that integrates physical postures, breathing techniques and focussed intention.

The word Qi Gong is made up of two Chinese words. Qi pronounced 'chee' is usually translated to mean breath, life force or vital energy that flows through all things in the universe.

Gong pronounced 'gung' means accomplishment or skill that is developed through dedicated practise over time, together ,Qi Gong means cultivating energy, it is a system practised for health maintenance, healing and increasing vitality.

Qi Gong practises can be classified as Martial, Medical and Spiritual. All styles have three things in common: they all involve a posture whether moving or stationary, breathing techniques, and mental focus. Some practises increase Qi, others circulate it, use it to cleanse and heal the body, store it, or emit Qi to help to heal others. Practises vary form the soft slow internal styles like Tai Chi to the harder external, more vigorous styles like Kung Fu. however, the slow gentle movements of most Qi Gong forms can be easily adapted to suit any and everybody! and can be practised by all age groups.

Like any other system of health care Qi Gong is not a panacea, but is certainly a highly effective and potent form of health care practise.

Many health care professionals recommend Tai Chi and Qi Gong as important forms of  alternative complimentary medicine.

Qi Gong creates an awareness of and influences dimensions of our being that are not part of traditional exercise programs. Most exercises do not involve the meridian system used in acupuncture nor do they emphasize relaxation of the large muscle groups or the opening of the bodys joints, lengthening of tendons, the stretching of the soft tissues and the importance of adding mind intent and breathing exercises to physical movements. When these dimensions are added, the benefits of exercises increase exponentially.

The gentle, rhythmic movements of Qi Gong and Tai Chi calm the nervous system reduce stress, build stamina, increase vitality,and enhance the immune system, they have also been found to improve cardiovascular, respiratory, circulatory, lymphatic and digestive functions. Strengthen the core muscles relax habitual tension, ease mental, physical and emotional stress, are very beneficial for people suffering from grief and depression and a whole host of modern day illnesses that western medicine struggles to keep at bay, let alone find a suitable cure. An old chinese saying says 'if you have a problem with the mind you work the body, if you have a problem with the body you work the mind. showing a clear emphasis and understanding that the mind and body are connected and mutually dependent unlike western medicine where they seem to treat them as two seperate entities.

Those who maintain a consistent practise of Qi Gong find that it helps them regain a youthful vitality, maintain their health into old age, and helps to speed recovery from injury and illness. western scientifiv research confirms that Qi Gong reduces hypertension, and the limits falls in the elderly, one of the more important long term effects is that practise can help you to re-establish your mind  body spirit connection. People do Qi Gong and Tai Chi to maintain health, heal their bodies, calm their minds, and re-connect with their spirit. When these three aspects of our being are integrated, it encourages a positive outlook on life and helps to eliminate harmful attitudes, behaviour's and thoughts, it helps to create a balanced lifestyle which brings greater harmony, stability, and enjoyment of life and to keep us mindful, present and appreciative of life moment by moment.

Qi Gong can interest and benefit everyone, from the physically challenged to the super athlete. There are Qigong sessions for children and senior citizens and every age group in between. Since Qi Gong can be practised at anytime or anywhere there is no need to buy special clothing or equiptment or to join a health club just find a class near you and start! Qi Gong's great appeal is that everyone can benefit regardless of age, belief system or life circumstances. anyone can enrich their lives by adding Qi Gong to their daily routine. From children learning to channel their energy and develop increased concentration; office workers and health care profesionals and carers learning exercises to reduce stress; Martial artists to improve concentration, focus and power; to professional sports people to enhance performance and endurance, to anyone just wanting some insurance for their body into old age, the list is endless and there really is no limit and no body that Qi Gong can't reach or benefit in a very profound way.