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Qigong - An Overview

An ancient Chinese therapy, Qigong is also identified as a gentle, rhythmic exercise that is utilized to lengthen the spine, clear the mind, increase concentration, and promote overall healing and well-being. Qigong also helps elevate the immune system, ease fears, eliminate stress and anxiety, and release nervous tension. Due to its healthful benefits, Qigong has been practiced by millions of people around the world for generations and generations. And there are certain types to fit specific needs. For instance, self-healing Qigong focuses on movement, posture, and meditation to heal one's self. Medical Qigong involves the assistance of practitioners who use their internal Qi (or energy flow) to heal others. Sports Qigong is includes martial arts exercises to enhance flexibility, strength, stamina, speed, and balance. Then Spiritual Qigong involves mantras and meditations to attain spiritual enlightenment. And what's great is that anyone can practice, no matter your gender or age!

The evolution of Qigong

Thousands of years ago, Qigong was developed from religious and spiritual beliefs, and commonly attributed to the Yellow Emperor and the classic medical text, Huangdi Neijing. And from that time, Qigong has experienced a continuous evolution. Fast-forwarding some years, Qigong was criticized as a feudal superstition during the Cultural Revolution (around the 1960s), only to re‐emerge in the 1970s. The 1990s mark Qigong’s international proliferation, and by the time 1997 came around, there were hundreds of thousands Qigong practitioners around the world, mostly in Canada and the U.S.

How does Qigong work?

The main purpose of Qigong is to develop natural energy levels using gentle movements, meditation, massage, chanting, breathing techniques, guided imagery, and a variety of body postures. And when working with a Qigong therapist, they are qualified to identify where your Qi (or energy flow) may be blocked, weak, or out of balance. For example, one type of energy blockage is a spasmed muscle. During the sudden muscle contraction (and a burst of pain), it is possible that other bodily functions near it will be affected, causing reduced blood flow and pressure on the nerves. How Qigong works in this case: With the help of the Qigong therapist, the spasmed muscle will resume its normal functions once the blockage is cleared. When that happens (the gathering of Qi in certain areas of the body), it's likely we will feel different sensations that include vibration, warmth, cooling, and tingling. That just means it's working!

Qigong for beginners

If you are thinking of traveling down the Qigong path of better and healthier living, it's anything but difficult to get started. And since the first two letters of the word Qigong specifically mean life energy (or energy flow), you can begin on your own by implementing breathing techniques, simple movements, and meditation exercises that will help boost your Qi flow. Then when you decide to take it a step further, visit HealingRadius to find a qualified Qigong therapist near you!

Qigong Excercises

• Energy Gates

  Qigong exercise that allows individuals to explore their body from the inside out, or, in other words, to help them connect to their body as a whole. Through this practice, individuals will learn to realign poor movement patterns, move in a more connected way, and release bound energy. Another great benefit is being able to recognize the amount of tension that has been built up over time.

• Heaven and Earth

  A pure Taoist Qigong system, this exercise involves two parts that join the energies of both heaven and earth to stretch the body's muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Heaven and Earth Qigong also helps energize and revitalize internal organs, release shoulder, back, and neck pain, improve digestion, lower stress, and release deeply stored tension. Moreover, this exercise improves balance and flexibility, which, in turn, helps alleviate conditions like arthritis and carpal tunnel syndrome.

• Bend the Bow

  Using basic physical movements and different breathing techniques, Bend the Bow is practiced to control, strengthen, and regenerate the spine, healing severe back problems that include scoliosis, arthritis, sciatica, and osteoporosis. Bend the Bow also relaxes the nervous system and regulates the fluids that surround the brain and spinal cord. During a Bend the Bow set, one would move the vertebrae in the spine either up, down, sideways, or on a diagonal.

• Spiraling Energy Body

  Considered one of the toughest in the Qigong system, Spiraling Energy Body helps increase the speed of Qi that moves in circles and spirals throughout the body. In other words, this set directs the upward flow of energy and attention, transforming any negative emotions or feelings into positive ones. After practicing Spiraling Energy Body, one is said to have created a more integrated and flexible internal connection while building confidence to interact with other people.

• Gods Playing in the Clouds

  Involving some of the oldest Taoist rejuvenation techniques, Gods Playing in the Clouds is known for joining and intensifying all of the components that were learned during previous Qigong sets. It is practiced for several reasons: to enhance personal longevity, to energize the brain, to release negative energy and spiritual blockages, and to make the bones stronger. And another cool fact: Gods Playing in the Clouds is spiritually connected to Taoist meditation.

• Tui Na Energy Healing

  A form of Chinese manipulative therapy, Tui Na Healing works to bring the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine into balance. They include Yin and Yang, Cold and Heat, and Deficiency and Excess. Moreover, Tui Na Healing helps target and release energy blockages in the body, perfect for physical, structural, and stress-related imbalances. China, especially, uses Tui Na Healing as a standard part of treatment, whether in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and more.

What are the benefits of Qigong?

An effective holistic and therapeutic exercise, Qigong is practiced all around the world, mostly due to its wide range of benefits. For example, Qigong helps loosen muscles, strengthen internal organs, increase energy levels, improve cardiopulmonary/vascular function, and speed up the recovery time from injuries. But that's not all! Qigong also reduces stress and anxiety, helps achieve emotional balance, promotes deeper, more restorative sleep, boosts memory and interpersonal sensitivity, and improves posture, balance, and strength. We told you it was a lot!

The therapeutic use of Qigong

The therapeutic use of Qigong is directed by qualified practitioners and therapists of traditional Chinese medicine, integrative medicine, as well as complementary and alternative medicine. In China and nearby countries, Qigong is widely practiced to treat a long list of health conditions including hypertension, respiratory disease, insomnia, lower back pain, coronary artery disease, and even tumors. Outside of China and in the U.S., for example, Qigong can be used to complement certain medical treatments for relaxation, rehabilitation, and the treatment of certain ailments.

What common problems are treated with Qigong?

With the help of physical postures, gentle movements, and breathing techniques, Qigong has a special healing effect on the internal organs and bodily systems. It is known for treating head-related conditions (like migraine headaches), injuries from accidents (like fractures and disc protrusions), as well as neck, shoulder, and hip sprains. Qigong also helps treat arthritis, osteoporosis, fibromyalgia, sciatica, trigeminal neuralgia, and internal disorders of the lungs, liver, and gallbladder. Additionally, Qigong is commonly used with cancer patients to counter side effects of chemotherapy.

Is Qigong related to Martial Arts?

The answer is yes! Not only has Qigong been used to enhance one's health and spirituality, but it is also practiced as an internal martial art, helping individuals sense the Qi moving throughout their body. Learning Qigong can also upgrade one's power base for an external martial art like Karate or Taekwondo (increasing muscular strength and training the body to resist certain punches and kicks).

How can I find a Qigong therapist located near me?

With HealingRadius! When you visit the homepage, start by selecting the "Search by Therapy" tab, then enter your location and begin typing Qigong in the appropriate field. A list of relatable wellness centers, studios, and independent therapists will appear, with the option to view their business profiles. You can also read reviews from other clients and see which techniques they specialize in. When you find the one you like, click the "Book Now" button next to their business name. Yes, it's that simple!