Qigong

Qigong (pronounced "chee-gong") is a 4,000-year-old Chinese health system combining slow-flowing movements, deep rhythmic breathing, and meditative focus to cultivate and balance vital energy, or "qi". Designed to improve physical and mental well-being, it is used for stress reduction, increased energy, and chronic disease prevention.

Key Aspects of Qigong

Purpose: The name translates to "energy work" or "cultivating life energy" (Qi = energy, Gong = mastery/skill). It aims to remove blockages in the body’s meridians to promote healing.
Components: Practices combine gentle physical movements, breath regulation, and meditation.
Flexibility: It can be performed standing, seated, or lying down, making it accessible to all ages and fitness levels.
Types: Often categorized into health/medical (healing), martial (strength), and spiritual (meditation).

Health Benefits

Physical: Improved balance, reduced pain (e.g., knee osteoarthritis), lower blood pressure, and increased flexibility.
Mental: Reduced anxiety, stress, and fatigue.

Basic Practice Structure

Preparation: Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent, and relax the body.
Movement: Slow, flowing, often repetitive motions (e.g., "Cloud Hands," "Rowing the Boat") coordinated with breathing.
Mindfulness: Using visualization and intention to guide the energy flow.

Qigong is often considered simpler to learn than Tai Chi, focusing more on free-form energy cultivation rather than complex, rigid forms.