Qigong (Chi Kung)

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Qigong is an ancient Chinese health care system that integrates physical postures (moving or stationary), breathing techniques and focused intention.

Qi (pronounced chee) is the life force or vital-energy that flows through all things. Gong (pronounced gung) means accomplishment, or skill that is cultivated through steady practice. Together, Qigong means cultivating energy; it is a system practiced to maintain health, promote healing and increase vitality.

Qigong practices can be classified as martial, medical or spiritual. Some practices increase the Qi, others circulate it, use it to cleanse and heal the body, store it, or emit Qi to help heal others. Practices vary from the soft internal styles such as Dao Yin or Taiji, to the external, vigorous styles such as Gong Fu (Kung Fu). However, the slow gentle movements of most Qigong forms can be adapted for all abilities and can be practiced by all age groups.

How can Qigong help?

By involving the meridian system used in Acupuncture with mind intent and combining breathing techniques with physical movement, Qigong creates an awareness beyond the limits of western exercise programs.

With regular, focused practice, the gentle, rhythmic movements of Qigong can:

  • reduce stress & hypertension
  • build stamina
  • increase vitality
  • enhance the immune system
  • improve cardiovascular, respiratory, circulatory, lymphatic and digestive functions
  • enhance youthful vitality
  • maintain health and reduce the incidence of falling in older people
  • help speed recovery from illness
  • encourage a positive outlook through body/mind/spirit connection.
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What Qigong forms can I learn?

An almost infinite number of qigong exercises have been developed over 3000 years. In a Qigong class you will start with a warm-up and stretch and then you will learn some of the following exercises:

  • Zhanzhuang - the essential foundation of every practice, standing qigong to develop centre (dantian) and balance the body
  • Yin-yang qigong -Grandmaster Chen Xiaowang’s version of the Yi Jin Jing (muscle and tendon changing qigong)
  • Six healing sounds - Chen Xiaowang’s healing sounds internalise the sounds relating to the five yin organs and the san jiao (triple energiser)
  • Dao yin yangsheng gong - based on the Mawangdui cave drawings dating back to 168BC, Prof Zhang Guangde has devised sets of exercises to work the different yin organs (Lungs, Heart, Liver, Kidneys, Spleen). Today Prof Hu Xiaofei continues the tradition with warm-up, foundation and lower limb exercises
  • Da gong - Hunyuan (primordial chaos) qigong for health from Feng Zhi Qiang

Treatments

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Classes

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