DATES: July 8th - Aug 26th (Monday Evenings) LENGTH: 1 Hour Class | TUITION: $200
What is qigong and how does it work?
QiGong, which can be translated from Chinese to mean "life energy cultivation," is a holistic system of coordinated body posture and movement, breathing, and meditation used for health, spirituality, and martial arts training. With roots in Chinese medicine, philosophy, and martial arts, QiGong is traditionally viewed as a practice to cultivate and balance qi (chi), or what has been translated as "intrinsic life energy."
Typically, QiGong involves rhythmic breathing coordinated with slow, fluid movement and a calm mindful state. Practitioners of QiGong focus on regulating their body, breath, and mind as one. QiGong practice is often used as a form of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), a component of integrated medicine programs, and in some cases, as part of traditional Chinese medicine therapies.
Here is an overview of how QiGong works:
Alignment and Movement: Slow, gentle, rhythmic movements enhance physical balance and flow of energy.
Breath Regulation: Controlled breathing patterns are used to facilitate focus and energy control.
Mental Focus: Meditation and visualization techniques help to calm the mind and condition the body to respond in more balanced ways to stress.
Benefits of QiGong
QiGong can offer various benefits for the mind and body, such as:
Improves Physical Health: Enhances muscle strength, flexibility, balance, and stamina.
Stress Reduction: Helps to reduce stress and anxiety through deep breathing and meditation.
Promotes Healing: Believed to aid in the healing process and recovery from illness and injury.
Increases Vitality: May increase energy levels due to its focus on cultivating life energy.
Improves Cardiovascular Function: Slow movements and deep breathing are beneficial for heart health.
Supports Immune System: Can improve resistance to disease and promote overall health.
Enhances Mental Well-being: May lead to improved cognitive function and a greater sense of well-being.
Better Respiratory Function: The emphasis on deep, abdominal breathing is beneficial for the respiratory system.
Practitioners often report a heightened sense of well-being and balance after practicing QiGong, and while empirical evidence is growing, much of the traditional claims remain to be scientifically verified. Nonetheless, due to its low impact nature, QiGong can be an accessible form of exercise for individuals of all ages and physical conditions. It is always advised, especially for those with health issues, to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new physical exercise regimen, including QiGong.