Let’s be honest – the everyday demands of life can sometimes feel overwhelming. But what if taking a few minutes for yourself each day could make these demands easier to manage?
Elizabeth Dunn wished her life was less stressful. She suffered from severe back and neck pain due to her displaced cervical vertebrae. That’s why she was surprised when she learned qigong (pronounced chee-gong) – could lessen her pain. Qigong is an ancient Chinese healing practice that mixes movement, breathing techniques and meditation to create a natural balance of energy.
Dunn attended a qigong workshop at Flowing Zen Studio run by Anthony Korahais at which he challenged attendees to do qigong at home for 30 days. Dunn did, and three and a half years later, she is still doing qigong. In combination with visits to a chiropractor and medication, she has been able to prevent flare-ups and now feels more relaxed overall.
“Qi” means energy or breath and “gong” means practice, cultivation or skills.
“Taken together, it means ‘energy skill’ or more poetically, ‘the skill of cultivating vital energy,’” said Arun Blatchley, a licensed massage therapist and Gainesville qigong instructor.
Qigong originated in Asia thousands of years ago as a branch of Chinese medicine and continues to grow in popularity today. While there is still research being conducted to determine how this ancient practice translates into western medicine, it works primarily through relaxing the nervous system.
The benefits of qigong are wide. From a better night’s sleep to less anxiety, qigong can help people both physically and mentally. Read on to learn about some ways regular qigong practice could help.
Reduced Stress
Qigong originated in Asia thousands of years ago as a branch of Chinese medicine and continues to grow in popularity today. While there is still research being conducted to determine how this ancient practice translates into western medicine, it works primarily through relaxing the nervous system.
Increased Energy
Consistent qigong practice can also increase energy. People who do qigong find themselves more relaxed and focused. This is one of the first signs of successful qigong practice, so participants often report increased energy within the first couple weeks.
More flexibility and balance
Some qigong exercises challenge muscles by putting the body in unfamiliar positions. Consistent practice of these positions can increase flexibility and balance. Tai Chi, which is a form of qigong, is specifically known for increasing these skills. This is because Tai Chi often combines strength training and mobility exercises that are performed in a relaxed state of mind.
Diminished nerve pain
From a physiological perspective, qigong can help diminish nerve pain. Sometimes nerve pain can be traced back to muscles that have wrapped around a nerve. The soft, flowing movements of qigong help certain muscles realize that it’s OK for them to soften up. It helps muscles release and regain nerve function.
Improved sleep quality
People who consistently practice qigong have oftentimes found that over time they need less sleep to feel just as refreshed in the morning. They report falling asleep faster and waking up feeling less groggy and more alert. Furthermore, some people report having a better recollection of their dreams.
Stronger immune system
Doing qigong exercises can help boost the immune system, which in the long run means getting sick less often. When participants do get sick, they heal more quickly. Qigong can help the human body fight infections more quickly because it will have built up more resources and energy to recognize a bug as soon as it hits and take immediate steps to treat it. This is because the body becomes more relaxed and less preoccupied with everyday life.
Stabilized blood pressure
Qigong is traditionally known to balance natural forces, including blood pressure. Whether someone is looking to lower or raise their blood pressure, qigong might be able to help them.
Improved mental health
While it’s important that people who are suffering from mental health conditions seek the help of a licensed health care professional, qigong is known to additionally benefit those with depression and anxiety. The mind and body are connected, so going through the motion and meditation of qigong can bring peace to one’s mental state.
While regular qigong practice can benefit participants in a variety of ways, Blatchley reminds his students that it is designed to be holistic.
Furthermore, he recommends beginners start qigong with a face-to-face instructor. While there are some high-quality online courses, it might be easier for first-time participants to learn it correctly in-person.
It’s also important to research local qigong instructors and to network with classes in the area. There are many different styles of qigong, and it’s best to find one that fits for you. A good teacher will see the benefits of qigong in their own life and pay attention to the quality of the meditative experience.
Finally, Blatchley recommends practicing qigong 10 or 15 minutes a day. Consistency is the key to fully feeling the effects of qigong.
“I would like to strongly encourage people to just try it,” said Dunn, “and they can see the benefits for themselves.”
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