What is Qigong?

 

Qigong (pronounced "chee-gong") is a chinese meditative practice.  The Qi in Qigong means "life force," and the Gong means "work," so Qigong is therefore the practice of "working" with one's "life force."

Qigong is a self-healing art that combines slow, controlled movement and meditation.  Visualizations are employed to enhance the mind/body connection and assist healing.

During Qigong practice we feel a powerful pulsation of blood in our body.  Often it takes people by surprise how warm they feel after making just a few hand movements.  Qigong moves a lot of blood and generates a lot of energy without lots of movement or stress.  

Often people ask "What is a Qi blockage?"  It is simply a small area where the blood cannot go, or an area where disease can occur.  Blood can work itself through closed off capillaries when a person is relaxed and increasing Qi in that area.  Wherever Qi goes, blood follows.  Normal healthy people use about 60% of the circulatory system.  When our Qi increases, this percentage also goes up.  Blood flow to the brain and organs is improved, therefore our health is greatly benefited.  

So, how is this any different from jogging?  In Qigong the body is totally relaxed, yet the blood is mobilized to flow powerfully.  Because there is no stress response or cortisol release, which contracts blood vessels, the blood can enter areas that may have been blocked off for years.  Imagine the same blood circulation you get from jogging...while standing still, completely relaxed.  No other exercise offers this level of circulation to organs and endocrine glands.

 

Health Benefits and Effects of Qigong

 

Qigong has powerful health-promoting effects: 

• Improves the motion of blood, warms the blood and enhances whole body circulation.
• Stimulates appetite, assimilation of nutrients, and digestion/elimination.
• Accelerates metabolism, weight loss, decreases need for sleep.
• Bolsters the Immune System by reducing cortisol, a known inhibitor of cytokine production.
• Develops dexterity, reflexes, and prevents Osteoporosis in clinical studies.
• Opens arteries, allowing greater brain-based microcirculation to help prevent Alzheimer's disease.
• Enhances mental acuity, focus and concentration.  The Qi draws focus and trains the mind.
• Helps us to calm down, relax and become more peaceful.
• Helps spiritual growth.

 

 

Qigong in the Media

 

Oprah Winfrey's beloved Dr. Oz said on international television, "If you want to live to 100... do Qigong."  He also said, "Qigong is the best longevity exercise."  There are thousands of scientific studies that show Qigong has helped people to reverse cancer, diabetes and heart disease.  If you want to read these scientific studies, visit the Qigong Institute's website where you can find the largest database of scientific papers on Qigong's effects. 

 

Qigong Classes

 

Tuesday, January 10th at 6:30pm

 

 

Classes are $10 each, and held at the Studio.  Space is limited, please call to pre-register - 919.356.7118, or sign up here: