Have you ever heard of Qi Gong and wondered what it is? You’re not alone. In fact, a lot of people don’t know what Qi Gong is even though it’s been around since the 4th century. My Rest is pleased to be offering Qi Gong classes on Main, and we want to share how this wonderful practice works and why it feels so good. Enjoy!
What is Qi Gong?
According to our Qi Gong specialist at My Rest:
“In Mandarin, Qi means energy and Gong means skill or work, thus Qi Gong means energy work or skill with energy. This is a very broad term, which is appropriate as Qi Gong is a very big field of study. When you study how energy works, you study how everything works. Everything is energy (e=mc2).”
The practice of Qi Gong is based on the idea that there is energy flowing through our bodies. This energy is called “Qi,” which, loosely translated, means “life force.” When we’re healthy, our Qi is balanced and flows smoothly throughout our bodies. But when we’re sick or injured, Qi can become blocked or unbalanced.
Qi Gong aims to help your body heal by rebalancing blocked or unbalanced energy, so it flows freely once again. The movements used in Qi Gong are designed to stimulate circulation of Qi and blood flow. They also loosen muscles and joints so you’re able to move more freely without pain or stiffness.
How Does Qi Gong Work?
Qi Gong is all about building up the energy within your body. You do this by moving slowly through poses that move your muscles, while you breathe deeply and focus on positive thoughts. The idea behind Qi Gong is that when you move slowly and breathe deeply, you’re increasing blood flow to your muscles which supports tissue growth and repair. By focusing on positive thoughts, you’re releasing endorphins into your brain which make you feel good—and also help to reduce stress!
Why Does Qi Gong Makes You Feel Good?
The answer is simple—Qi Gong works with your body’s own energy to make you feel amazing. When you practice Qi Gong, you’re doing something that’s good for your body and mind. The physical benefits include strengthening the body, improving flexibility and balance, reducing stress levels, and increasing energy levels.
The mental benefits include reducing anxiety and stress levels, increasing focus and concentration, helping to manage depression symptoms (through the release of endorphins), and improving memory skills and learning ability by developing new neural pathways in the brain through practice.
How Do I Start Practicing Qi Gong?
Qi Gong is a gentle practice that can be done by anyone—it’s easy to learn and can be practiced by anyone of any age, fitness level, and experience. But before you start practicing on your own, it’s important to have proper instruction from a qualified teacher who can help you navigate the basics of the practice and show you how to get started.
When you first start practicing Qi Gong, it’s important to take things slow and focus on your breath. Breath is at the heart of Qi Gong practice because it helps regulate your body and mind so that they work together in harmony.
It’s also important to remember that Qi Gong, like yoga, isn’t just about doing poses or movements—it’s about learning how to use your breath as a tool for relaxation and healing.
So, if you’re looking to lead a happier life and would like to be in better health, look no further than Vancouver Qi Gong. It’s a low-impact exercise, perfect for the entire body. Plus, it’s a fun way to spend your time and really give your body some much-needed attention.
Get started now with a 5-week series of Qi Gong classes on Main at my Rest, taught by our registered Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner, Jacob Larmour.