Qigong: The Art of Feeling Good
Dr. Emily A. Ray Brown
What is Qigong?
Qigong is an ancient form of exercise and meditation. It can be considered in the same category of exercise as Tai Chi or yoga, known as meditative movement. Qigong practitioners use gentle movement, breath, and natural tension to increase the body’s intrinsic healing functions. Slow, thoughtful movements and breathwork are combined to help coordinate the body and mind.
Simply speaking, if your body and mind were connected by a loose cable, qigong helps to stabilize that connection. This helps us tap into physical potential that is not easily accessible without deeper body/mind attunement.
With slow, gentle movements and breathwork, it can be done at any age. Qigong is a whole-body moving meditation that can increase the quality of life. By incorporating it into daily or weekly practice, benefits can be seen for years to come.
What can Qigong do for you?
Qigong is an ancient, time-tested practice that has supported overall wellness for generations. Modern research supports its benefits, showing that regular practice can enhance circulation, boost immune function, improve physical stability, and increase range of motion. Some studies also suggest that Qigong may help support bone density over time.
It may be hard to believe, but there are even more potential benefits. Qigong has been shown to decrease chronic fatigue, and has had such an impact on relieving stress that cancer patients use it to get through harsh treatments.
The mental health benefits of moving meditation
It is widely acknowledged by most medical professionals that meditation can help increase mood, reduce stress, and improve self-perception. But some people find sitting down to meditate difficult. Without practice, just sitting with your thoughts can be more frustrating than relaxing.
If this is you, it may be the perfect time to try Qigong. Moving meditation, as opposed to its more famous cousin, sitting meditation, is a way to engage your mind while still benefiting from all the wonderful things mindfulness practices have to offer.
How to start
Qigong has been gaining popularity in the Western world over the last few years. Many community centers, gyms, and wellness groups are offering classes. Needle and Nourish hosts Dr. Charles Illingworth’s QiGong practice twice a month. And don’t worry if you have never tried before. There is no age restriction on practicing; in fact, it is encouraged to continue practicing into your golden years.
Conclusion
Qigong is an ancient practice that has been shown to improve physical and mental health.
Among its many benefits are:
● Improved mood
● Decreased fatigue
● Boosted immune response
● Increased range of motion
● Strengthened lung capacity
● Strengthened balance