Most people regard Qigong as traditional Chinese exercise, but it’s much more than merely a physical fitness experience. Qigong is a mind, body, and spiritual practice that encompasses posture, movement, meditation, breathing, and some martial arts training. Traditionally, people who have practiced Qigong value it for its positive effects on their mental and physical health and their spirituality. In fact, some studies suggest that Qigong can benefit people who are suffering from a wide array of health conditions. If you are interested in learning about this 4,000-year-old Chinese practice, you should get to know all about Qigong and how it can benefit your life by reading through the following facts.

Get with the Flow

Qigong helps people get in tune with their energy flow. The techniques nurture synergies that exist between mental, physical, and spiritual health. Millions of people worldwide practice Quigong to experience its enriching energy flow that brings balance to their overall well-being. Balance qi or life energy is a cornerstone of traditional Qigong. Life energy is a tenet of both Chinese martial arts in general and Chinese traditional medicine. While the flow of life energy is an Asian concept, many non-Asian practitioners of Qigong relate this concept to ideas of promoting positive mental and physical health through techniques that simultaneously support both.

Basic Tenets

Many people describe Qigong as moving meditation. Gentle movement, breathing techniques, and meditative practices are hallmarks of the practice. While there are many forms of this ancient practice, most people practice Qigong do so to gain physical prowess, to promote physical and mental healing, and to experience enlightenment. Typically, Qigong techniques involve both gentle movement and passive or meditative techniques. Qigong therapists also have a role to play in this practice by enhancing a practitioners experience with massage or acupuncture.

Basic Techniques

There is a myriad of techniques that Qigong practitioners can employ, but if you’re just getting started, it’s helpful to know the basics. Intentional movement is a fundamental technique that involves flowing, balanced movement. Posture and carefulness are essential to this technique. Rhythmic breathing is also crucial for Qigong practice. Taking slow and deep breaths are encouraged. Qigong practitioners also practice mindfulness, which is essential for achieving a meditative state. While performing techniques, individuals should strive for a mood of tranquility, harmony with nature, and relaxation.

What Is Medical Qigong?

Medical Qigong is associated with traditional Chinese medicine and involves acupuncture, herbal medicine, and Asian massage. Chinese medicine practitioners encourage people to practice qigong as a way to prevent disease and foster healing. They believe that this practice is potent and powerful. It is the oldest branch of Chinese traditional medicine, so it has been a staple of medical treatment for centuries. In the west, many individuals are pairing Qigong with Western medical procedures.

How Do Healers Help?

Qigong healers can be seen as an important supplement to Qigong practice. Healers can guide people in their practice of Qigong and also provide treatments in the form of acupuncture and massage. Healers also help people understand the deeper meanings involved in exercises. The best healers have substantial knowledge of Chinese traditional medicine and bring that knowledge to each client to help them on their path. As Qigong has gained in popularity, there are now many respected Qigong healers all over the world.

For Anxiety and Depression

Many people come to Qigong for a specific reason. Some people have experienced relief from symptoms of anxiety and depression after taking up the practice. With its focus on balance and tranquility, Qigong promotes improved mental health. Exercise and meditation give individuals a break from their symptoms so that when they return to their daily routines, they may feel more refreshed and better able to manage their emotions. Certainly, clinical forms of anxiety and depression may require other treatments as well, but Qigong is worth trying out if you suffer from anxiety and depression as it can provide relief.

Physical Health

People of all types of fitness levels enjoy Qigong. Its gentle movements attract many people who aren’t looking for more active forms of exercise. People can start with basic, easy movements and postures. If they are able and when they are ready, they can move on to more complex movements that might require greater balance or flexibility. Like other forms of exercise, Qigong and its movements can generate the release of feel-good endorphins that help repair tissue and promote a feeling of health and well-being. If you are searching for a fitness activity that promotes more than just physical activity, Qigong is something you should check into.

Spirituality

In today’s hectic and often stressful world, it’s no wonder that people strive to tap into their spirituality as a way to combat this stress. Spirituality is a significant component of Qigong. Practitioners can use prayers or meditative sitting positions to tap into their spiritual energy. Spiritual Qigong encourages practitioners to strive for harmony with nature and the world around them. This aspect also teaches self-awareness so that individuals can practice mindfulness as a means to achieve spiritual balance and tranquility.

Mental Benefits of Qigong

While Qigong can improve mood through its focus on physical movement and mindfulness, it’s even thought to have the ability to improve cognitive function and enhance memory. Stress reduction is a major reason why so many people seek out this ancient practice. Some people have claimed that Qigong brings relief from migraines and negative emotions like fear or anger. To enhance your mental health, add it to your weekly or even daily routine.

Physical Benefits of Qigong

After adopting Qigong as a regular practice, people have reported decreased blood pressure, improved skin, improved energy owing to better circulation, stronger muscles, increased balance and flexibility, improved digestion, decreased recovery times, pain reduction, and relief from symptoms of conditions like asthma and bronchitis. Moreover, this list is not exhaustive. The practice has long been prescribed for people suffering from a multitude of health conditions. Even if you opt for Western medicine treatments, you may still benefit by using Qigong as a supplementary activity.