About Qi Gong

What is qi gong?

Qigong (pronounced Chi-Gong) is the ancient art of longevity developed over 6000 years ago in China. Qi (Chi) is the energy of the body that travels through the network of meridians and connects with the energy of the universe. According to the ancient Daoists, the whole universe has some element of Qi. It can be translated as vital energy, breath or energy of life. Gong (Kung) is a term that describes the work that is required to achieve a skill; Gong can also be translated as training, mastery, or self-discipline. When we have a blockage of Qi or the pathway is disturbed this can cause sickness (both physical and emotional) and eventually shortness of life. Qigong is a conscious practice where each individual takes personal responsibility to balance and harmonize their vital energy – reducing stress, increasing health and vitality as well as developing spiritual perception and awareness. Qigong literally is working with the energy of life.

It is a form of gentle exercise composed of movements that are repeated a number of times, often stretching the body, increasing fluid movement (blood, synovial and lymph) and building awareness of how the body moves through space.

At YBS we teach Shibashi Qi Gong: Shibashi translates to ‘Eighteen Forms’ or movements.  Developed in1980 by Tai Chi Chuan Master He Weiqi and Qi Gong Master Lin Hou Sheng in Shanghai. Utilising Yang style Tai Chi Chuan postures and ancient Qi Gong movements.  Combined with Traditional Chinese Medicine theory, it’s a powerful and complete system of Qi Gong.  With the interaction of Yin and Yang helping to bring harmony to the mind, body and breath.

What is the difference between Tai Chi and Qi Gong?

Qi Gong is a general term used to describe all Chinese energy techniques with three main categories: Marital, Medical and Spiritual.  Tai Chi is like shadow boxing with an imaginary opponent – blocking, striking, using the opponent’s energy with yours to find balance.  Qi Gong movements are practised purely to cultivated one’s own Qi, allowing it to connect with the Qi or energy of the Universe. 

What are the benefits of practicing Qi Gong?

·         Stimulate the blood circulation

·         Exercising the major joints, tendons and muscles

·         Increased flexibility and muscle tone

·         Massages all major internal organs

·         Strengthens your Qi (vital energy) and stimulate the meridians, thus calming the mind and reducing stress

·         Clearing the mind, opening the heart

·         Creating a state of positive wellbeing

The Practice

The movements are slow, soft and smooth with a constant rhythm. The body is upright, and the spine is in its natural alignment; relaxing all the muscles and joints. The breath flows in and out through the nostrils while the breath and the body move as one.Some movements are short, some are longer. There is no striving, only a natural flow of the body and the breath. Each movement is practiced 6 times equalling 108 movements or breaths.

If you would like to learn more about this wonderful practice, please contact us to see when we are running our next introduction course.