Chi Kung, more popularly known as Qi-gong is a combination of two words that mean:
• Qi: vital energy breath, air
• Gong: work
The meaning of Qi-gong therefore is “working the vital energy”.
Qi-gong practices involve visualization gentle body movements, and breathing techniques to activate the vital energy inside the body. Qi gong originated in China and is performed by tens of millions of people throughout the world as a way to boost mental and physical health.
Qi-gong is used in Chinese hospitals and is taught in major Chinese universities. It is a nationally and officially recognized medical procedure in that country. Qi gong is comprised of exercises that benefit the body as a whole as well as exercises that target the various systems of the body. It can help restore balance to the digestive, lymphatic, cardiovascular, and nervous systems. Aside from their own self-healing and personal benefit, practitioners of Qi-gong in Bellingham can also use it to heal other people.
Physical and emotional problems, from the viewpoint of Eastern philosophy, are associated in one way or another to energy blockages within the body. According to this perspective, one of the major reasons Qi-gong cures mental and emotional problems is its capacity to balance and unblock the flow of energy in the body. You’ll benefit from Qi-Gong whether you believe in this theory or not.
You can practice Qi-gong in any position (supine or lying on your back, sitting, or standing). This exercise is ideal for people of all ages. When you practice Qi Gong, one of its benefits is to give you a calm and quiet state of mind. This is accomplished when the practitioner focuses on his breathing or focuses on one part of his body. The more profound this quiet state of mind is, the least likely you’ll be distracted by external stimuli (such as light, temperature, noise). The body and mind becomes an ocean of peace and tranquility. Most beginners find it very hard to gain this state, but with perseverance and patience, you will eventually be able to go deeper and deeper into it.
For better results, Qi-gong should be practiced every day. A lot of folks like to perform Qi-Gong early in the morning, prior to starting their daily activities. This is actually a good idea since at this time, your body and mind are more relaxed making it easier to focus on the exercise; what’s more, during this time, the air is fresher and the Qi is at its best quality this time of the day. Qi gong can also be practiced at other times of the day. It will ultimately depend on what time you feel works better for you.
Performing qi gong typically lasts for at least five minutes although some practitioners take an hour to finish. If you’re performing for over an hour, that’s probably a bit excessive. Qi-gong is not meant to replace conventional medical treatment, although it can be used alongside it. When you practice Qi-gong, your mind and body relaxes, your breathing slows down, and your mental concentration becomes more focused. These benefits can lead to an overall decrease in anxiety. Continuous practice of this ancient art brings you calmer state of mind and increased vitality.
When Qi-gong is combined with other techniques such as meditation, physical exercises and visualization, it can be a powerful way to overcome anxiety attacks.