Benefits of Qigong Practice​

Qigong (pronouced chee-gung) translates as 'breath exercise' or moving meditation designed to strengthen and improve your general health and wellbeing. Qi is the Chinese word for “life energy”, Qi is the life-force energy that flows through all living things and it is this energy that connects us to nature, to all beings and life on earth. Gong is the Chinese word for work, thus Qigong is the practice of cultivating energy.

​Qigong is a powerful and precise method of healing, whereby the vital Qi (Chi) Energy is pushed through the Meridian Channels that are connected to our inner organs by using slow, steady and focused movements in order to stimulate and massage them. All of this is done while promoting mental concentration, breathing techniques, and meditation. When all of these come together, they provide a balance of energies by helping us to focus on circulating and strengthening our inner core (Qi). A daily practice of Qigong can help us to achieve greater vitality and overall better health, manage and/or lessen the effects of disease, and help us to experience tranquility of mind. ​

How does it differ from other forms of exercise?
When you start practicing Qigong, the primary goal is to focus on letting go and relaxing. That’s because most imbalance comes from holding on to too much for too long. Most of us are familiar with physical strength of muscles, and when we think about exercising, we think in terms of tensing muscles and pushing ourselves to 'feel the burn'.

​Qi energy is different. Qi strength is revealed by a smooth, calm, concentrated effort that is free of stress and does not pit one part of the body against another.

How do the movements improve your health

• Circulation and digestion are helped - improved by the gentle stretching and rocking movements
• Breathing and asthma type conditions are helped by the slow breathing and expansive arm movements
• Back and shoulders are helped by the expansive arm movements, gentle bends and gradual trunk turns
• Mental sharpness is increased by co-ordinating opposite side of body movements

Other benefits include:-

• Reduced stress
• Improved balance, stamina, coordination and flexibility
• Better breathing
• Reduced pain and stiffness
• Calmness and overall sense of wellbeing
• Enhanced immune system
• Lowered blood pressure
• Improved cardiovascular, respiratory, circulatory, lymphatic and digestive function

Long Covid sufferers
The shibashi set can be practiced sitting down so suitable for those who find standing too tiring and it will help build energy without causing fatigue. Qigong helps to strengthen the lungs, help develop deep lower abdominal (diaphragmatic) breathing, calm the mind and build up energy. 

​Tai Chi benefits Fibromyalgia sufferers 
​Read an article published in the British Medical Journal here >>

​​Feedback from a lady who suffers from Fibromyalgia and practices Qigong...
​"I have found such a difference in my energy levels since joining the class"

Tai Chi benefits Parkinson's Disease
Article from Parkinsons UK website here >>