TAI CHI - QIGONG

Qigong is the collective name for a multitude of Chinese health movements that have been practised for over 3000 years.

Medical qigong consists of meditation, postures and gentle movements. This soft style of qigong contains 18 movements, which are practised in a repetitive manner, thereby encouraging the flow of qi throughout the body. This method has been taught by the Chinese for centuries and has received great acclaim. Qigong practise is becoming more and more popular in the West and one may ask why this ancient art has found its way into the world of health and complementary therapy. Firstly, Qigong is a complete system of healing in itself and if we look at this holistically, it can easily be seen how it can become an integral part of daily life, (foundations if you like).

The benefits are numerous, e.g. improvement of posture, physical structure, flexibility, lowering of blood pressure, increase in recovery after illness, release of blocked energy, a raising of self awareness, a connection to the state of stillness and a prolonging of life, to name but a few.

The Western world (generally speaking) shows little regard to the energetic system, which permeates throughout the body. Science is beginning to understand that the body is full of bio - electricity and tends to treat the physical element of disease. In the East, this is seen as only treating the symptoms. The cause of disease is often due to a blockage within the body of chi (life force). The aim of these exercises is to encourage an abundance of chi to circulate freely around the body, via Meridian pathways.

Qigong exercises are a way of doing this. Many people have blockages in and around their bodies that can eventually manifest in physical ailments, therefore regular practise is essential for success. Along with the practise of qigong, we need to learn how to breathe properly - to fully utilise the breath. Breathing is the starting point of qigong, which firstly after practise leads to relaxation and eventually to a state of 'Wu. By integrating specific body movements, Chi is circulated and blockages gently released, thus bringing the body, mind and spirit into a state of balance and harmony. Practice regularly and soon you will begin to feel the benefits of this treasure of Chinese health.