qigong practicioners

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Qigong enhances your body's life processes by increasing your 'qi' or life energy. It reduces stress and stimulates the brain while balancing your emotional state. It is related to t'ai chi, but is more targeted at optimising your health and is not a martial art.

There are thousands of styles of Qigong (also Chi Gung, Chi Kung, Chi Gong). Most until recently were passed down secretly from master to student.

What can Qigong do for me?

Regular qigong practice can improve your health, reduce stress and lead to greater relaxation and vitality. It will help you to train your mind and body to be more resillient and cope better with the stresses of everyday life. It may also increase your compassion for others and help you to feel more at one with the world around you.

How do I practice Qigong?

Qigong can be practiced alone or in a group. Qigong exercises entail either slow moving exercises, or stationary poses. Many are performed with closed eyes, and require you to either focus your awareness on the inner sensations of your body, or on paticular points or paths in the body. Other styles may require you to allow you awareness to expand outside your body, as if observing the horizon. The particular visualisations and physical forms employed will depend on the style of qigong you are practicing.

What can I expect from a Qigong class?

A class will last between 30 minutes and 1 hour and a half. At first the physical forms may feel tiring as your body and mind adjust to the new practice. Soon, however, you will feel more alert and have greater energy as a result of your practice. Sometimes the exercises will be performed in silence, others will have gentle music or audio instructions and repeated mantras to enhance the state of relaxation. Qigong can be practiced either indoors or outdoors in the park. When practicing outside it is important to wrap up well to avoid catching a chill as you will be moving slowly or standing still