Have you always wanted to learn Qigong? Whether you’re looking for a new form of exercise, want to relieve stress, or are just curious about this ancient practice, Qigong is a great option worth considering. Read on to learn why it’s good for your health, how to practice it, and see if it’s right for you.
What is Qigong?
Qigong (or Chi Kung)is an ancient Chinese practice that involves moving the body in a series of slow, meditative movements. The goal is to cultivate qi (pronounced “chee”), or energy. It’s believed that by performing these moves regularly, you can improve your health and well-being by opening up your body’s energy pathways and allowing qi to flow freely throughout it.
Qigong has been around for thousands of years—it was first developed during the Han Dynasty (206 BC – 220 AD). There are many different forms of Qigong; some involve meditation, and others are more physical in nature—but they all share common elements including deep breathing exercises and gentle stretching movements designed to calm mind and body while promoting overall health through improved circulation and balance.
What are the Benefits of Qigong?
Qigong is a series of exercises that can be done by anyone. It’s commonly practiced in China and other parts of Asia, but it’s also gaining popularity in the West.
Qigong is often referred to as “meditation in motion,” because it involves slow, controlled movements that help you focus your mind on your body and breath. The practice has many health benefits, including:
Physical fitness: Qigong helps improve strength, flexibility and balance while reducing stress on joints.
Mental clarity: The slow pace of qigong allows you time to focus inwardly without distraction from external stimuli such as music or other people talking around you.
Emotional well-being: Regular practice can help reduce anxiety or depression symptoms.
How to Get Started with Qigong?
To get started with Qigong, you’ll need to find a qualified instructor. In addition to learning the basics of the practice, they can help you understand how it might fit into your life and answer any questions you have.
Once you’ve found a teacher, it’s important to explore the different types of Qigong available so that you can choose one that resonates with your needs and interests. There are many different styles within this ancient Chinese tradition, from gentle forms designed for beginners all the way up to highly advanced practices designed specifically for experienced practitioners who want to develop their skills further.
Finally, once you’ve decided which type(s) of Qigong sound like they’d be right for your current stage in life (or even if none do), commit yourself fully by making time each day for practice!
How to Choose the Right Qigong Practice for You?
When you’re ready to start practicing, it’s important to choose a style that fits your needs. First, determine what your goals are. Are you looking for a way to reduce stress and improve sleep? Do you want to increase energy and vitality? Or do you want more flexibility in your body and mind?
Once you’ve decided on a goal, explore different styles of Qigong until one stands out as being the best fit for what you’re hoping to achieve. Then consider how much time commitment each practice requires: Does it require daily practice, or can I get away with just doing it once or twice per week?
What to Expect from a Qigong Class?
The first thing you should expect from a Qigong class is a warm-up exercise. This can include simple stretches, such as reaching your arms overhead and pulling them back behind you or bending over to touch your toes. The purpose of this exercise is to limber up muscles that might be tight from sitting at a desk all day, but it also helps prepare the body for more strenuous movements later in the class.
Next comes breathing exercises. These may involve taking deep breaths through the nose and out through pursed lips (like whistling) or inhaling through one nostril while blocking off the other nostril with thumb pressure on top of your nose bridge–and then switching sides! Breathing exercises teach us how to breathe properly so that we can focus better on our meditation sessions later on in class.
After warming up with some simple stretching and breathing exercises, most Qigong classes move into postures and movements designed specifically for improving balance and strengthening muscles throughout different parts of your body (such as hips).
Qigong is one of the best ways to connect with your body and find inner balance. If you have been considering trying it, there is no time like the present! Let us guide you toward a healthier you by trying our Qigong classes today!