What is QI GONG?
Qi Gong is a set of physical movements coordinated with breathing and meditation that is performed in a slow to mid tempo to cultivate Qi within the body, mind and spirit.
Qi or Chi, is translated as 'Life Energy'. It is also historically and contextually relates to blood, breathe, heat, light or energy. Through correct physical posture, Qi is able to flow through the body more effectively, thus invigorating the Spirit through movement.
The actual practice of Qi Gong can either be:
- Stationary -standing or static postures for periods of time, similar to yoga.
- Dynamic - flowing, graceful coordinated movements that utilise the whole body.
Similarly to the martial art of 'Tai Chi Chuan'. Qi Gong is also based upon Tai Chi and Yin & Yang theory with strong ties to Chinese culture through Taoist philosophy, Buddhism, Confucianism, astrology, traditional Chinese medicine, folklore and martial art. The oldest form of Qi Gong dates back to at least 4000 years.
The Four main Qi Gong forms, that are both historically and traditionally the oldest, are taught in my classes. They are also the four officially recognised Qi Gong forms by the Chinese Health Qi Gong Association.
- Yi Jin Jing - 易筋經 (known as Muscle-Tendon Changing Classic Method)
- Wu Qin Xi - 五禽戲 (known as The Five Animals)
- Liu Zi Jue - 六字訣 (known as The Six Healing Sounds)
- Ba Duan Jin - 八段錦 (known as The Eight Pieces of Silk or Eight Brocade)
What is the Difference between Qi Gong and Tai Chi?
Many consider Tai Chi Chuan to be a type of Qi Gong since they are closely related and similar practices. Qi Gong is often seen as preparatory training or exercise for Tai Chi Chuan. While Tai Chi Chuan is a Qi Gong practice in itself.
Qi Gong is generally focused on health and meditative aspects rather than martial arts applications like Tai Chi Chuan.
The difference is also distinguished by the use and flow of Qi. Whereas the Qi flow in a Tai Chi Chuan practitioner is continuously moving throughout the body to be focused and emitted as power for the purposes of offense or defense.
The Qi in a Qi Gong practitioner is focused at a meridian point (energy centers or acupuncture point) to open the energy channels across the body.
What is the Benefit of Qi Gong?
Firstly the advantage of Qi Gong is that the movements are less complex and less numerous than those of performed in Tai Chi Chuan, thus easier to learn and remember. Anecdotally, some students even find that they are able to attain Qi and cultivate a meditative state much faster than they would practicising Tai Chi Chuan in the comparative period of time.
Qi Gong can be performed for various reasons such as:
- Self Healing and Preventative Medicine
- Self Cultivation and Meditation
- Relaxation
- Exercise and Recreation
Due to its slow tempo movements, low impact on cardiovascular systems and low safety risk. Many of the Qi Gong movements can be performed standing, sitting and even lying down. Qi Gong exercises can be performed by those:
- Persons recovering from Injury or various medical conditions
- Persons who lack flexiblity or mobility
- Seniors
- Persons with certain disabilities
Everyday more and more scientific, medical and sports studies are being done that confirm the benefits of Qi Gong. Such as:
General Health/Fitness
- Improved Flexibility and Mobility
- Improved Balance and Coordination
- Increased Leg Strength
- Increased Immune Function
- Increased Vitality
- Improved Blood Pressure
- Improved Quality of Sleep
Mental Health
- Decreased Stress and Anxiety
- Improving symptoms of Depression
- Improved Mood
- Increased Mental Clarity and Memory
QI GONG FORMS OFFERED
- Ba Duan Jin - 八段錦 (known as The Eight Pieces of Silk or Eight Brocade)
- Wu Qin Xi - 五禽戲 (known as The Five Animals)
- Yi Jin Jing - 易筋經 (known as Muscle-Tendon Changing Classic Method)
- Liu Zi Jue - 六字訣 (known as The Six Healing Sounds)
- Dawu - 健身气功大舞 (known as The Dancing Steps)
- Ma Wang Dui - 馬王堆導引术
- Dao Yin Yang Shang Gong Shi Er Fa- 導引養生功十二法 (known as Taoist Stretching and Nourishing form)