What is Qi Gong?

"Heaven & Earth Style" QI GONG

Qi Gong (sometimes called Chi Kung or Qi Gung - pronounced "Chee Gong") means "working with the breath" - it is a gentle form of exercise suitable for all age groups. The Chinese believe it strengthens a person from the inside-out, and it is widely used to promote & maintain health and well-being. People who practice martial arts usually incorporate Qi Gong exercises as part of their fitness regime.

For centuries Oriental medical philosophy has believed that "Qi" is the life-force, a subtle and formless energy that sustains all living things. It is the difference between a live body and a dead one!

Qi is what keeps us alive as it flows throughout and over the whole body, along minute and precise channels called meridians. Energy flows via these channels to every cell, organ, muscle and interacting system. Acupuncture can influence this flow by fine needles inserted at various points along the meridians - clearing blockages, increasing or decreasing the flow to restore and maintain health. Qi Gong exercises influence the qi through the breath and subtle movements.

Qi Gong is thousands of years old and can be defined as "a method of building and balancing energy through exercise".

Qi Gong is similar to T'ai Chi but requires less co-ordination as it is done either sitting or standing. Movements - mostly of the arms - are combined with deep breathing, requiring mental focus to accomplish correctly. Thus both external body (via muscle movement), internal body (via breathing) work together with the mind in a harmonious flow.

It is like a moving meditation, and the effects are profound. Concentration is heightened; body awareness improved; breathing becomes more relaxed, the body stronger.

• Suitable for all - even those who are more fragile
• Non-competitive - you work within your own limits
• Gentle yet powerful - exercises that work on many levels
• Calming, energising, balancing... also aids mental focus
• Relief for symptoms of stress & anxiety - calms the mind
• Regulates flow of Qi through the body - increases energy
• Helps regulate all the body's systems - leads to better health, improved flexibility, increased stamina

There are many styles of Qi Gong, both passive and active. The Heaven& Earth style is active, designed to get the qi flowing freely through the body's energy pathways, and to promote vibrant health and longevity.

The exercises are deceptively simple, gentle and very calming - yet very powerful. You will feel energised and well-stretched, with a" put-back-together" feeling once you have practised them even for a short time. Practising for an hour is the optimum but even ten minutes of qi gong exercises daily can provide immense benefit.

Participants should wear loose, comfortable clothing. Exercises are done barefoot or in socks.

We offer informal classes (maximum 3 people) or individual tuition. Prices and times available on application.