What is Qigong?
Qigong... pronounced chee-gong
Qigong is a moving meditation practice that comes from ancient China and is connected to Traditional Chinese Medicine. Qi (chi) translates to mean life-force energy, and Gong to mean work, or cultivate. The literal translation of Qigong being ‘energy work’ or ‘energy skill’. The best way to describe the practice of Qigong is as a gentle and restorative exercise therapy. The purpose of the practice is to release tension; physical, mental and emotional tension, in order to allow the energy of the body to circulate freely and without stagnation or blockage. Qigong activates our body's energy system and the innate self-healing capacity of the body. Ultimately the practice is a moving meditation that incorporates acupressure, slow stretches, gentle flowing movement and stillness.
Where Qigong come from?
Roots of Qigong
Qigong originates from China and dates back around 4,000 years. The practice is an exercise therapy that forms part of Traditional Chinese Medicine. It is made up of a series of dynamic and static movements which focus on the combination of three principals: the body, the mind and the breath.
Historically in the practice of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Qigong was commonly the first treatment prescribed. In TCM, tension is considered to be the cause of all dis-ease… you might think of tension as being a physical affliction, it often is. Tension in this context is considered holistically as well- i.e. physical, mental, emotional even spiritual. If we hold onto mental and emotional tension, our feelings and thoughts, they create tension as well.
TCM theories describe that our Qi (energy) determines the state of our health. If Qi is flowing freely in a balanced manner throughout the body we have good health, if it becomes blocked, stagnant or imbalanced illness will follow.
Qi (energy) moves throughout our bodies through meridians (energy pathways), these are the channels in which energy flows, the entire meridian system is complex but there are 12 main and 8 extraordinary meridians located throughout the body. These meridians are connected by over 700 energy points, known as acu-points.
In TCM health is considered not just the absence of disease but it is the presence of vitality and wellbeing. Traditional medicines; Chinese and other forms, focus on empowering individuals to take on self-care and personal responsibility for their health and wellbeing, primarily through their lifestyle and behaviours and secondarily with the assistance of medicinal interventions.
How to practice Qigong?
Classical / Traditional Qigong
There are literally hundreds, maybe even thousands of different forms of Classical / Traditional Qigong. Classical forms of qigong are generally characterised as a series of precise and differentiated movements performed in a very slow and methodical manner. These forms encompass various elements, such as stretching, balance, strength and body weight bearing movement.
Modern Qigong - for our busy lives
Modern Qigong is a little different to its traditional counterpart but just as powerful, it is an integrative approach to the ancient practice. It brings together movements from the hundreds of traditional forms into a more accessible style that complements our fast paced lifestyles. It allows people to experience the benefits of qigong without the thousands of hours of practice that is often required to master a classical form. The core of the practice remains, the movements are still precise and differentiated, typically though the practice is performed a little quicker and the format of practice is different.
Modern Qigong explores acupressure, standing, slow stretches, gentle flowing movements, breath-work and stillness, and accompanied by a strong focus on presence.
Typically, modern Qigong classes are themed to align with nature and the current season. Each season throughout the year has its own unique qualities and characteristics, and we are well served by practicing in harmony with nature and TCMs Five Element Theory.
As we move out of Winter (kidney/bladder meridian focus, Water element) the season of Spring represents new birth and growth, it is the season of movement and upward, outward momentum. Spring practice connects to the Liver and Gallbladder meridians and is related to the element of Wood. We have introduced various movements to encourage you to grow and expand, embodying a pioneering, imaginative and bold new spirit as we move into the warmer months.
Regardless of the method of practice, during Qigong we focus and anchor our attention on the breath, the body and the sensation of Qi; the feeling of aliveness within. We often incorporate other meditative techniques such as mindfulness, intention and visualisation.
When practicing Qigong our intention is to be embodied and present, to connect with ourselves in a holistic way. There are several fundamental principles in the practice of this beautiful form of self-care and restoration, the essence being to slow down, soften the heart and to do less.
By Phil Eggins phileggins1@gmail.com IG: @phileggins
Phil is very passionate and enthusiastic about sharing Qigong with everyone. He aims to do so by creating a safe space for students to relax, soften and unwind – enabling them to experience the subtle yet profound health benefits for themselves.