What is Qigong?
Very simply, qigong is a health practice that incorporates movement, posture, breath, and meditation. Sometimes called a ‘moving meditation,’ qigong is an ancient Chinese energy (“qi”) practice (“gong”) that, when done consistently, has a myriad of benefits for one’s health.
What are some benefits of practicing qigong?
On a physical level, these flowing exercises can improve one’s body strength and flexibility. The coordination of breath, movement, posture, and intention also tonify the organs by increasing circulation of oxygen and qi through the body. Traditional Chinese Medicine believes that blocked qi causes pain and many illnesses, so when the elements of qigong release this stagnant qi to flow freely through the body, health returns to the body. Studies have also shown that it improves the immune function, brain neuroplasticity, symptoms of asthma and insulin resistance.
It’s more than physical.
Beyond the obvious physical and physiological changes, there are the emotional, mental, and spiritual benefits of this practice. Traditional Chinese Medicine believes that emotion and thoughts are energetic, and connected to certain, so the practice of qigong facilitates a state of emotional calm, and presence, with routines and attention focused on various organs.
These are just a few of the components that make this mind and body practice such a beneficial preventative medicine practice for all levels of fitness, as well a practice for those looking for an active way to manage physical, emotional, and spiritual conditions and goals.
Want to find out more about qigong?
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