Qigong
Qigong is a generic term for many different systems of gentle exercises combining physical movements and breathing which have been practiced in the Far East for thousands of years.
Everybody wants good health, physical relaxation and mental peace in his or her life. Qigong practice is a simple and invaluable way of achieving these qualities of life.
Qi is the most vital and subtle energy and it gives us life and connects us to the Universe, it motivates and moves us throughout our daily lives.
Gong means exercise or the practice of cultivating the Qi
Qigong therefore means exercises to cultivate the Qi
There are many different systems of Qigong either external, usually involving movement or internal, focused on the movement of Qi around the body. Both the internal and external styles focus on deep abdominal breathing and connecting the energies of Heaven (Yang) and Earth (Yin) deep within our body.
The daily practice of Qigong exercises or meditation cultivates our Qi and helps to prevent illness whilst also helping to develop or increase the bodies powers of self healing or ability to heal others. Qigong practice requires neither large amounts of space nor special equipment and can take as little as 10 minutes daily to achieve noticeable results and improvements in health and well being.
Two of the simplest and best forms to learn for daily practice are the Eight Brocades or Ba duan Jin and the Eighteen Stances of TaiJi
Shibashi of which there are two distinct and easy to learn forms.
Early Morning Qigong Classes at Oseling Buddhist Centre High in the Alpujarras mountains of southern Spain
Five Good Reasons to practice Qigong
Good Health:
Prevention is always better than cure. It is generally accepted nowadays that regular exercise is beneficial to our health. Qigong gently increases our respiration and heart rate and increases muscle tone and strength
Longevity:
Regular practice can make the body more supple and help prevent the aches and pains we tend to associated with the ageing process. Deeper breathing patterns will increase the supply of oxygen to the cells, aiding in recovery and metabolism and also to the brain.
Clarity of mind and Spiritual awareness:
Qigong takes our awareness to a more subtle level and increases our awareness to the spiritual aspect of our place in the universe and can change our fundamental view of life
Freedom in life:
With taking responsibility for our own health we are able to restore the balance of our body if we occasionally feel below par or unwell and will find it easier to recover from serious illness, giving us freedom from long periods of suffering and more time to enjoy our lives
Healing:
The healing power of Qigong is one of the main reasons many people practice regularly. Many people achieve very profound changes in their lives and health. Many people also find themselves with an increased ability to heal others.
Qigong Classes
Andrew teaches Taiji Shibashi Qigong in Eastbourne, East Sussex on Mondays and Wednesdays and also runs one day introductory workshops around the country. If you would like one in your area please email me for more information.
Regular Clinics in Eastbourne and West London
Andrew Parfitt MBAcC. MRSST. MBANT
The Shiatsu Studio, Unit Q, The Enterprise Centre
Station Parade, Eastbourne, East Sussex, BN21 1BD
Telephone: 07870 631412
Email: andrew@acupunctureuk.net
Taiji Qigong DVD
featuring Chris Jarmey