What if there was a practice that led to fitness, flexibility, and internal peace?
In a nutshell, Qi Gong is a practice that delivers all three of those qualities. Although the popularity of Qi Gong is growing quickly in the West, there are still millions of people who have yet to discover the ancient practice.
If you’ve heard about Qi Gong but don’t really know what it’s all about, you’re in the right place. This guide will answer all of the key questions about Qi Gong, including what it is, the benefits it offers, and how you can give it a try yourself.
The simplest answer is: Qi Gong is a practice for less stress and more energy. It combines the physical benefits of exercise with the spiritual qualities of meditation, leading to full nourishment of both mind and body.
There are many different types of Qi Gong practices, but most of them involve slow-moving exercises that reflect the qualities of nature.
The intention of Qi Gong can be summed up by the meaning of the words, “Qi” and “Gong.”
The word “Qi” means “vital life-force energy.” In Chinese Medicine, Qi is seen as the mysterious energy that flows through all living beings, as well as the natural world.
Every breath, thought, and action that we have reflects the quality of Qi within the human body.
“Gong” means “to work with.” Therefore, “Qi Gong” means “to work with vital life-force energy.”
Essentially, Qi Gong is the practice of working with your internal energy in order to experience the states of being that you wish to cultivate.
Because life-force energy can take on many different forms, there are numerous ways in which Qi Gong can be applied. Often, practitioners seek to cultivate mental clarity, emotional stability, and physical vitality.
Although Qi Gong is similar to it’s more well-known ‘cousin’, Tai Chi, it differs in a few key ways. Our article, Qi Gong vs. Tai Chi goes into more detail about the similarities and differences between the two practices.
Because Qi Gong works with all parts of the mind and body, there is literally no part of your being that Qi Gong doesn’t help. Of course, each person desires different transformations within themselves, making Qi Gong a valuable practice for everyone who wants to improve their overall health and wellbeing.
While there are no limits to how Qi Gong can be applied, there are several common reasons that individuals are attracted to the practice. We’ve included a few below:
A lot of people go through life with thoughts constantly circulating through their consciousness. More often than not, a majority of those thoughts aren’t actually helping anything…
When you practice Qi Gong, your mind is directed toward an activity that is both deeply calming and powerfully uplifting. Although meditation can be very effective for some people, Qi Gong is easier for some because it allows the mind to become rooted through physical movement.
The body is always in the present moment, but the mind is not. By combining mental focus with physical movements, it’s often easier to find stillness and calm within the mind.
Almost everyone in modern society experiences some level of stress. School, jobs, kids, bills, and relationships all can lead to stress and anxiety within the mind and body.
Not only is stress unpleasant, but it also can weaken the immune system and lead to various health issues. Luckily, Qi Gong is a great way to release stress.
Qi Gong alleviates stress by calming the body’s sympathetic nervous system (fight or flight) and activating the parasympathetic nervous system (rest and digest). It also teaches individuals how to use the power of intention to let go of harmful energies and cultivate positive states of being.
Qi Gong provides powerful tools for processing all of life’s experiences, both positive and negative. This allows individuals to move through emotional challenges with greater ease and grace.
Instead of resisting uncomfortable emotions, the practice teaches us how to find flow with the various emotions that arise within. By helping us relate to our internal experiences in a constructive way, Qi Gong empowers us to grow more and suffer less.
Many regular practitioners view Qi Gong as their “foundation.” It’s a practice that is always there to provide strength and stability in an ever-changing world.
Something magical happens when you cultivate joy and balance within yourself — it’s easier to experience clarity and purpose in all aspects of your life.
Qi Gong is based on Taoism, which teaches us that each person is a microcosm of the entire universe. When you’re able to use Qi Gong to get in touch with the energies around you, it becomes easier to understand your truest path in life.
Individuals who suffer from poor sleep often love Qi Gong. Not only can the practice help you to experience greater peace and rest at night, but it also provides more energy during the day.
Sleep issues are often the result of excessive Yang energy in the head, which translates to overactive thinking. Qi Gong helps balance the body’s energies by helping you let go of excessive Yang energy and cultivating greater calmness when it’s time to go to bed.
It’s well-known by both eastern and western Medical Doctors that stress is bad for your immune system and overall health. Since Qi Gong helps to alleviate stress, it also helps to boost your immune system and physical wellbeing.
Additionally, there are numerous Qi Gong exercises that address specific health ailments. Whether you’re suffering from lower back pain or experiencing lung issues, there’s a Qi Gong exercise designed specifically for that ailment.
One of the best ways to start practicing Qi Gong is simply to try the practice for yourself. At Holden QiGong, we have a wonderful opportunity specifically for newcomers — our FREE Two-Week Qi Gong Trial.
When you sign-up for the Two-Week Trial, you’ll gain immediate access to five unique Qi Gong classes taught by Master Teacher Lee Holden. Because the classes are offered online, you can practice from the comfort of your own home or anywhere you happen to be!
To let go of stress and experience more energy, click on the banner below and give Qi Gong a try today.
