I am always looking for new health modalities to incorporate into my preventive health ‘program’ (aka Life!). The most recent addition is Qigong which I love! I am currently taking a 6 week Qigong workshop where we learn exercises which can be done at home. After doing these exercises, I feel serene, grounded, healthy and happy (ie. on Cloud 9!).
What is Qigong?
Qigong (pronounced Chee-gong) is a 5000 year old Chinese healing modality which helps tap into our energy and life force. The word Qigong is Chinese and means “Skillful practice of applying life-force energy.”
Qigong builds the immune system and strengthens the body through a series of slow Tai Chi-like moves performed in synchrony with deep breath. The exercises are short breath healing exercises focusing on the internal organs of the body. Qigong is based on repetitions of very precise sets of movements, specifically designed to benefit health on many different levels. Once harmony is restored in the body, it can heal itself.
What are the health benefits?
There are many Qigong benefits – too many to list them all in one blog post! Here is a benefit summary from my amazing Qigong teacher, Lenka Love:
- Cleanse (purge) the body of toxic energy, thoughts, & illness.
- Strengthen (tonify) the body, correcting internal organ dysfunctions.
- Balance (regulate) the body, its energies and internal organs, creating harmony in the body, mind and spirit.
Practicing Qigong daily can reduce stress, increase energy and promote health and overall well-being.
How to learn Qigong?
Many local community rec-centers offer regular Qigong classes, along with martial arts and wellness centers. It is a good idea to take a few classes to start to learn proper techniques and exercises. Once you have the basics, you can do your practice at home, or in nature which is my preference. There are also many online resources which feature Qigong videos. Here is a good resource of videos which I found on NaturalNews.com. You will find the resources which work best for you. Invent your own practice and go with the flow!
I am grateful to have Qigong as a daily practice in my life. Whenever I feel my stress levels rising, I stop, do a simple Qigong exercise and – voila – I feel calm! It is amazing!
To your health,
Kim Duess
You Be Healthy
You-Be-Healthy.com
Twitter.com/kimduess
Facebook.com/youbehealthy
Resources:
Lenka Love, Qigong teacher
http://www.chikung-unlimited.com
http://www.qigonginstitute.org
Thanks Kim..Qigong sounds great…I've never tried it, but should definitely check it out!