Qigong is an ancient Chinese health care system (2,500 - 5,000 years in documented history) that integrates physical postures, breathing techniques and focused intention to circulate the life energy (qi). Qi Gong is a method of energy cultivation to enable internal power and is used for health, vitality, increasing longevity, athletic performance and expanding the mind.

Qi Gong is not exactly meditation; the mind is focused on directing energy, rather than thinking or not thinking. In the past, qigong was also called nei gong (inner work) and dao yin (guiding energy), now it is called (Hsing Qi), meaning where the mind goes, the energy follows.

Mind Body Spirit connection

Qi Gong is often referred to as a mind-body exercise because it explores the connection between the mind, body, and spirit. Qi Gong provides a core group of benefits to improve health and well-being. The breath techniques emphasize slow breathing from the diaphragm with a relaxed posture and straight spine.

They help to calm and centre and can be an effective aid for reducing anxiety and aiding sleep. Its gentle movements stretch and strengthen muscles, improve balance and flexibility and reduce inflammation in joints. This movement helps to improve the circulation of blood and oxygen throughout the body, which is thought to improve the immune system and help to remove toxins.

The state of mind achieved by practicing Qi Gong provides powerful mental and emotional benefits, often after only a few minutes of practice and requires concentration, focus and clear thinking.

Most exercises do not emphasize the importance of adding mind intent and breathing techniques to physical movements. When these three aspects of our being are integrated, it encourages a positive outlook on life and helps eliminate harmful attitudes and behaviours. It also creates a balanced life style, which brings greater harmony, stability, and enjoyment. The gentle, rhythmic movements of Qigong reduce stress, build stamina, increase vitality, reduce anxiety or tension and enhance the immune system.

It has also been found to improve cardiovascular, respiratory, circulatory, lymphatic and digestive functions. This discipline is reported to help foster creativity, improved mood and to enhance cognitive capability. Qigong creates an awareness of and influences dimensions of our being that are not part of traditional exercise programs.

Who is Qi Gong good for and what styles are there?

Anyone can enrich their lives by adding Qigong to their daily routine. Children learning to channel their energy and develop increased concentration; office workers learning Qigong to reduce stress; seniors participating in gentle movements to enhance balance and their quality of life; caregivers embracing a practice to develop their ability to help others; prisons instituting Qigong programs to restore balance in inmates lives; midwives using Qigong techniques to ease child birth.

There are a wide variety of Qigong practices. They vary from the simple, internal forms to the more complex and challenging external styles. They can interest and benefit everyone, from the most physically challenged to the super athlete. Because qigong includes both dynamic and gentle techniques that can be practiced from standing, seated, or supine postures, it is suitable for young and old.

Practices can be tailored to individual needs making it an ideal aid to recovery from illness or injury. It is much easier to learn a soft style and then progress onto a harder style, but much harder to go from a hard style to a soft one.

Learning Qi Gong

A qualified instructor consists of

• What is their background and experience;

• Do they have a good character? Do they treat everyone fairly and with respect; do they encourage and bring out a student's highest potential? •

Do they live what they teach?

• While keeping these points in mind, remember to trust your intuition in finding an instructor who is right for you.