Background

Wednesday 5 February 2014

Healing with Tai Chi and Qi Gong

Picture
The regular practice of Qi Gong brings serenity and health
Qi Gong for Health
The benefits of Tai Chi are becoming known around the world. People are beginning to practice it more often in the western society. Millions of people in China have benefited from its health promoting exercise for centuries. It is common to see people gather together in China to do their regular exercise, especially early in the morning before their work day begins.

Qi gong and the Meridians
Qi Gong
is a lesser known form of tai chi in the Western society. Some say Tai chi is a form of Qi Gong. Qi means energy or life force. I have talked about the energy flowing through the meridians in our body before. Meridians are invisible channels through which this energy travels. Qi is the name the Chinese give to describe this energy.

Qi travels around the whole body, not just a part of it. It affects the whole person. Therefore when some part of our body is blocked with emotions, the energy to this area is blocked and becomes stagnant. Think of the example when someone is blocked with grief and cannot express themselves - the throat is blocked and the words will not come out.

The practicing of qi gong helps to unblock these areas, opening up the channels for the energy to flow again.

'The gentle, rhythmic movements of Qi gong reduce stress, build stamina, increase vitality, and enhance the immune system. It has also been found to improve cardiovascular, respiratory, circulatory, lymphatic and digestive functions.' (See link below)


Qi Gong and the Emotions
Our emotions as well as our physical health and the state of our mind can all be influenced for the better by the regular practice of Tai chi or Qi Gong.

The Chinese medicine system treats the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual parts of our system as a whole. Illness is a result of blockages of the energy or imbalances in the whole person.

Qi gong helps calm the mind. It is a set of simple, meditative exercises combined with the breath and a focus of intention. It helps us to keep healthy or become healthy. It helps reduce stress when practiced regularly.

Qi gong and Tai chi are especially good for seniors. It improves the balance, strengthens the legs and the breathing. Regular practice has a benefit for the elderly helping to lessen the number of falls they have.

Tai Chi in China
We have been priviledged to spend a few hours watching the best people in Tai Chi in the world practicing their routines. They practice 8 hours a day every day and are the fittest people and most energetic, all from tai chi.

I encourage you to seek out a class near you to get you started. Usually the people involved in Tai chi and Qi gong are lovely people.

 
www.taichiwushu.com.au 

No comments:

Post a Comment