What is Qigong?

What is Qigong? How do you pronounce it? Is it one word or two?

These are some of the questions I’m getting asked when I let people know about the Qigong and Mindfulness meditation classes I’ve begun holding in Port Elliot.

Qigong pronounced as “ chee gong” can be written as chi kung, chi gong or chi kung and is spelt as one word which is made up of two words. The first word Qi is the Chinese word for “life energy” and the second word ‘gong’ means “work” or “ benefits acquired through perseverance and practice” so qigong is  “internal energy work”. It is said to be a type of 'moving mindfulness', a Chinese form of yoga as well as acupuncture without needles.

Why do Qigong?

Qi travels through our body through energy vessels known as meridians which are related to various organs of our body. Tension can be held in various parts of our body creating blockages and restricting energy flow so energy doesn’t flow to where it needs to. The practice of qigong clears blockages and relieves tension. The flow of energy is heightened, and the nervous system is strengthened and calmed. At the same time our alertness is heightened, powers of concentration, coordination and inner balance are improved.

Types of Qigong

The forms of qigong that are practised in my classes are: Ba Duan Jin (8 pieces of brocade), Shibashi 1,2,3.

Ba Duan Jin

This is based on Traditional Chinese Medicine Theory. There are eight movements which were created to focus on strengthening the bones and muscles, regulating respiration and Qi circulation while utilising Qigong control of the mind. Each of the 8 movements is related to different internal organs such as the liver, stomach, spleen and heart. The Eight  Brocades or Ba Duan Jin is simple and easy to learn and is best practiced in the morning or evening in fresh air, for 15-30 minutes each time.

Shibashi 1,2,3 

Shibashi (meaning 18 in Mandarin) is a series of 18 energy-enhancing exercises that co-ordinate movement with breathing and concentration. It is a gentle, beautiful and flowing Tai Chi Qigong exercise routine that is is designed to improve your general health and wellbeing. The gentle rocking motions and stretching movements improve circulation and digestion. The chest exercises and controlled breathing are good for lung conditions and asthma. The overall effect of the exercise is to reduce mental stress and physical tension carried in the muscles of the body. Each of the forms has a poetic name, such as ‘dancing with rainbows’, ‘ flying dove’, ‘cloud hands’ and movement is always coordinated with the breath, in fact form follows breath.

Why not try joining a qigong class? 

Though the movements may seem gentle and slow they work the entire body - from the bones to the lymph to the digestive and circulatory systems and more...

I hold Qigong and Mindfulness Meditation classes on
Mondays ( daylight saving dates) 530- 630 pm
Wednesdays 930- 1030 am
Saturdays 9- 10 am

Cost is $10 per session. Held at 50 Waterport Road, Port Elliot.

The video is of my qigong teacher doing Shibashi set 1