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.
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
WHAT CLIENTS SAY?
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I have been seeing Laura for a couple of months and in that time she has worked wonders with her acupuncture on an ankle issue dating from the last 12 years. In addition, she is extremely caring and attentive to any other ongoing problems that arise.
Her treatment sessions are very relaxing, in a calm peaceful atmosphere and I feel a new person, invigorated and energised since Laura has been treating me.
I consider myself very fortunate to have been recommended to Laura and in turn I would unreservedly recommend a course of acupuncture with this highly skilled professional.
Laura is very calm and caring, she pays great attention to detail and has looked after me so well. I had treatment for a sporting shoulder injury (rotator cuff tear and tendinopathy), she was able to reduce the inflammation and after a few sessions all morning pain and pain waking me up at night had gone. This enabled me to manage my injury allowing me to train and compete. I have also seen her for skin and menstrual issues, both of which were resolved with her acupuncture. She is so knowledgable and really takes the time to understand your situation to ensure she provides the best solution and makes sure you’re feeling as good as possible. Thank you so much!!
What a great experience! Laura is a great person, with an excellent professional ethos. She was very kind, positive and helpful, being able to patiently explain to us every question that we possibly had about our acupuncture treatment. We booked an appointment through her website, which was very easy and we instantly received the confirmation email with the details. We went to Laura for an acupuncture session because of my father’s very painful and sharp lower back pain. On Wednesday before the session my father could barely walk or stand upright and 3 days later, on Saturday he was enjoying his regular activities with relatively no pain! We highly recommend Laura and her Moving Qi practice. You will definitely lose your pain and find your true self again! Thank you Laura!
I have been seeing Laura for acupuncture for several years now, originally in relation to a stomach problem but then more recently through my first pregnancy. Not only have our sessions resolved the various issues that I’ve raised, but they’ve also helped me to relax and de-stress. I love that Laura takes the time to recommend food and books and to demonstrate breathing techniques that complement her treatments. Highly recommended!
Laura’s calm and warm manner make me feel relaxed and welcome as soon as I walk through the door. I have complete trust in the choices she makes for my treatment and really feel in safe and skilled hands. I also feel her kindness and commitment to a holistic way of treating the body shine through. For me, the sign of a good acupuncture session is when I leave feeling brighter, rested and restored. I feel this after every treatment with Laura. I recommend her and her acupuncture skills unreservedly.
I would definitely recommend Laura. I’ve had migraines and eczema for years, which used to get unbearable during very busy and stressed periods. The combination of tuina massage and acupuncture has helped me to control both. The difference has been considerable since I started treatment, I haven’t had a bad migraine event for months and my eczema issue has noticeably improved. Laura has also helped me with a shoulder problem that started recently.
As someone who has seen acupuncturists beforehand for a host of medical conditions, it is truly wonderful to have been able to meet Laura. I am outstanded by her knowledge and professionalism in acupuncture which is truly great. In previous experiences I could feel every needle being used, but with her it’s as if she is able to connect with every problematic nerve in my body. Since attending I am calmer both physically and mentally, more positive, and feel much more at home in my own body. Since recovering from my breast cancer a few years ago, she has done wonders. She has also helped me with my chronic back and joint pain. I can also comfortably call her a great source of advice in all aspects of life. I highly recommend her.
Laura’s calm and thoughtful manner and her commitment to my health and wellbeing is an inspiration. I always look forward to my next treatment session with her and come away knowing my body and soul has been nurtured.
I am, in my seventies, suffering from post polio syndrome. Osteopathy, physiotherapy and chiropractice have been of very limited help. However, acupuncture has given me a new lease of life.
A transformation from a state of feeling lethargic, no energy into positive relaxation. I’ve only felt that after acupuncture.