About

Qigong is an ancient practice developed as a way of helping people to improve their quality of life and is an important component of the Chinese medical health systems.

The three main principles of Qigong are the concentration of slow, gentle body movements, the breath and the mind. There is an active moving component (Yang) as well as stillness (Yin) so Qigong can be referred to as mindful practice or moving meditation.

‘Qi’ (Chi) is the energy of life, the vital energy that flows through the network of meridians in the body and connects with the energy around us. ‘Gong’ is a term that translates to work, training or mastery, so Qigong is a way of working with the energy of life.

Qigong breathing and movements:

• Improves circulation and oxygenation of our connective tissues
• Improves oxygen levels in our blood
• Regulates blood pressure
• Creates positive neural plasticity which is a functional restorative mechanism for our health and wellbeing
• Relaxes and stretches our connective tissue (fascia)
• Regulates our autonomic nervous system
• Rehabilitates disease and damaged tissue
• Modulates brain function

Qigong practices can raise energy in the body, allow it to sink or descend in the body, moves energy left and right, forward and back, opens, closes and cools Qi. Each movement has a different effect on the workings inside our body – they stimulate muscle groups, and our energy system and send positive messages to our central nervous system.

Regular practice of Qigong can calm the mind, reduce stress and anxiety, improve blood circulation, restore energy, increase strength and mobility, cleanse the body of toxins, clear inflammation and stagnation of energy.

With meditation, relaxation, physical movement and breathing exercises, Qigong can bring the mind and body into a state of balance, with an increase in health and longevity.

Jeanette Fuller is a certified Level 3 Qigong Teacher with Master Simon Blow and certified Level 2 Qigong Teacher with Forest Rock Qigong.