Qi Gong For Beginners

Qi Gong for Beginners: A Comprehensive Guide

What is Qi Gong?

Qi Gong (pronounced "chee-gong") is an ancient Chinese practice that combines mindful movements, still postures, meditation, and breathing techniques to cultivate and balance qi, the vital energy that flows through the body.

Qi Gong is a holistic practice that connects mind, body, and spirit. The term Qi Gong comes from the words "qi," meaning "subtle breath" or "vital energy," and "gong," meaning "skill cultivated through steady practice."

Qi Gong is a foundational component of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and dates back thousands of years.

The practice was first documented in Daoist writings around A.D. 600, though the term "Qi Gong" wasn't formally used until the 1950s.

History of Qi Gong

Qi Gong is thought to have originated from Daoist practices focused on cultivating and maintaining personal health.

These practices involved exercises consisting of postures, breathwork, and intention setting. Early Qi Gong exercises mimicked animal movements, later evolving as people gained a deeper understanding of human anatomy and physiology.

One of the earliest known forms of Qi Gong is the "Five Animal Frolics," which originated when field workers imitated animal movements to ease tension after a day of labour.

This practice eventually evolved into an understanding of meridians, or energy channels, within the body.

Is there a deeper level to Qi Gong?

It is very difficult to establish the exact origins of Qi Gong. From the Vedic perspective, when the Buddhists came from India and started to teach in South East Asia, they brought with them a Vedic form of martial arts. And this was the beginnings of the Kung Fu we know today from the Shaolin Monks. Kung Fu, Karate, and Tai Chi are all martial arts.

Qi Gong is a healing art. And Qi Gong was practised in the Shaolin Monk temples, to deepen their practise of martial arts, and also to benefit from all the health aspects of Qi Gong.

This may be a controversial view, but some Vedic scholars do actually believe this to be the origins of Qi Gong. That would mean it falls under the 8-fold path of Yoga, which is why there are so many similarities to all these mind, body spirit practises. Keep an open mind, because the origins are not important. But how you feel, truly is.

How Qi Gong Works

According to TCM principles, qi flows through our bodies, and health problems can arise if this energy becomes stagnant or blocked.

Qi Gong uses simple poses and patterned breathwork to remove these obstacles and promote a healthy flow of qi.

Beginners start by coordinating physical movements with breath through repeated practice. Once they master the form, they can turn these exercises into moving meditation, focusing on the energy flow within the postures, movements, breathing patterns, and transitions.

Benefits of Qi Gong

• Qi Gong offers numerous potential physiological benefits, including:

• Lowers Blood Pressure

• The deep breathing, meditation, and relaxation in Qi Gong can benefit heart health.

• Research suggests that Qi Gong may help reduce both systolic and diastolic blood pressure in people with high blood pressure or hypertension.

• Eases Pain from Knee Osteoarthritis

• The gentle movements in Qi Gong may ease pain from joint conditions like knee osteoarthritis.

• Clinical practice guidelines recommend Tai Chi, a style of Qi Gong, to improve quality of life, reduce pain, and improve function in people with knee osteoarthritis.

• Improves Well-Being in People With Cancer

• Qi Gong can help people with cancer cope with side effects and stress related to cancer treatment.

• Studies have shown that Qi Gong can improve psychological and physical symptoms associated with cancer and its treatment.

Types of Qi Gong

There are thousands of Qi Gong styles, each with three core components: breath, movement, and intention.

These styles can be grouped into three categories:

Healing and Medical Qi Gong

This category focuses on boosting overall health and well-being.

Health Qi Gong is widely available in group classes or one-on-one sessions. Medical Qi Gong uses Qi Gong to address specific diseases or medical issues under the guidance of a trained practitioner.

Martial Qi Gong

This category develops strength, agility, and endurance to improve martial arts skills.

Tai Chi is an example of a martial Qi Gong practice. And you can say every Tai Chi move is a Qi Gong move, but not every Qi Gong move is a Tai Chi move. They are different practises, but Qi Gong is a healing art, not a martial art.

Spiritual Qi Gong

This category focuses on self-cultivation and awareness through spiritual practices.

These styles often incorporate mantras, mudras (hand positions), seated meditations, and prayers.

KookKak Ki Gong

The style of Qi Gong at the Bright Beings Academy is a Korean style, which is spelt Ki Gong. But the meaning is the same. And the classes consist of three types of movement. And these are

• Action. Moving the body to increase circulation, sometimes quite quickly.

• Calm Action. Moving the body in a slow, deliberate, relaxed manner.

• Calm. Holding positions, much like the Sundo tradition, that helps you find peace inside.

Getting Started with Qi Gong

Define Your Goals

Identifying your reasons for trying Qi Gong will help you choose the right type of practice.

Consider whether you are interested in improving strength and agility, seeking general health benefits, exploring spirituality, or addressing a specific health condition.

I used to suffer from back problems, and elbow and collar bone problems from a motorbike accident, and these have all disappeared now. I also used to suffer from stress and anxiety, and these have all melted away. My empirical evidence on how this works has been extensive. I would like to see the same for you too.

Verify Your Teacher's Credentials

Look into the instructor's qualifications and experience, especially if you are seeking medical Qi Gong or specialised instruction.

Be Open to the Practice

Approach your Qi Gong sessions with curiosity and an open mind.

Observe the sensations and changes you experience, and don't hesitate to ask questions.

Finding Qi Gong Classes

Qi Gong classes for general health and wellness are offered in various settings, including:

• Community centres

• Martial arts studios

• Fitness centres

• You can also find Qi Gong classes online.

Many online platforms offer live classes and on-demand videos. At the Bright Beings Academy, we do have live classes and on demand classes. Also, we have certain exercises put into categories for you to choose which area of the body you need to work on, with comprehensive explanations.

Choosing an Online Platform For Qi Gong Classes

When choosing an online platform for learning Qi Gong, look for:

• Experienced instructors with verified credentials

• A variety of class formats to suit your needs and preferences

• A supportive online community where you can connect with other practitioners

Qi Gong for Stress and Well-being

Qi Gong can be particularly helpful in managing stress and improving overall well-being.

By reducing stress, Qi Gong helps the body function optimally and become less susceptible to disease.

Benefits for Mental and Emotional Health

Qi Gong has been shown to help with various mental and emotional challenges, including:

• Stress

• Anxiety

• Anger

• Depression

• Empowering Your Health

Qi Gong empowers you to take control of your health.

While it's not a replacement for medical care, regular practice can reduce the frequency of doctor visits for stress-related or other preventable conditions.

Conclusion

Qi Gong is a powerful practice that can benefit people of all ages and fitness levels. By cultivating and balancing qi, you can improve your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Whether you're seeking stress relief, pain management, or simply a greater sense of peace and vitality, Qi Gong offers a gentle and effective path to better health.

Free Online Qi Gong Course For Beginners

At the Bright Beings Academy, we have created a free online course to get you started on your journey with Qi Gong. All it will take you is 10 minutes a day, and I feel most people can set that aside for such an important thing to do. Click the link below to start your free course today, and see how you feel in 21 days. Click the link below.

Click Here For Your Free Qi Gong Course

I look forward to connecting with you in my next post.

Until then, be well and keep shining.

Peter. :)