The ancient practice of Qigong is often referred to as “Standing Meditation” and/or “Moving Meditation”, with good reason. The slow, gentle movements associated with Qigong are ideal for calming the mind and relaxing the body. However, the main benefits of Qigong meditation come from the way it teaches you to control your breathing.
During a typical Qigong session you will move your limbs, hands, feet and torso through a series of flowing, graceful movements. You will also synchronize your breathing with the movements of your body, so that you set up a rhythmic, calming pattern of breathing that soon begins to flow quite naturally as you progress through the movements. You will also learn how to breathe properly, by which we mean taking the breath right down into your lower abdomen and not merely into your upper chest, as is so common in the West. In fact, we may well describe the typical Western way of breathing as being “upside down”!
Qi, Chi or Universal Energy?
Many people who are new to Qigong have difficulty in accepting that, as well as the breath, we also begin to move our Chi around our bodies when we practice Qigong. This is understandable, as we are not taught anything about Chi, meridian lines or bio field energy in our Western education systems.
Luckily, this skepticism rarely lasts beyond most people’s very first experience of Qigong. Chi can be felt quite easily, and quickly, as long as you have the right instruction to begin with. In Qigong we learn to relax every single part of our bodies, in order to allow the Chi to flow freely. Once you have learned to move your hands, arms, legs, feet and torso in relaxed, circular motions rather than is straight lines you will soon begin to feel the Chi building up in your physical body. Many people describe this a tingling feeling, and a feeling of slight resistance in the air around them as they move.
The Benefits of Qigong Meditation
Through breathing correctly, and allowing Chi to flow freely, you will experience great benefits in mind, body and emotions. Research has shown that regular Qigong practice can produce measurable benefits, such as reduced heart rate and balanced blood pressure (whether the problem is high or low blood pressure). In addition, Qigong is often recommended for patients with reduced mobility, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and anxiety and depression. The following link shows some of the research and clinical trials that are currently taking place:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22419421/
Physical Benefits
You can expect the following physical benefits from regular Qigong practice:
- More restful sleep
- More flexibility in your joints
- Stronger muscles
- Improved co-ordination and balance
- Easing of breathing problems such as asthma and COPD
- Improvements in circulation
- Relief from constipation and associated digestive disorders
To name but a few.
Emotional Benefits
Through regularly practicing Qigong meditation you can expect your emotional health to become more balanced and robust. You will find that you are more emotionally resilient, calmer, less prone to angry outbursts and mood swings, more optimistic and generally happier in your outlook.
Mental Health
Qigong meditation is extremely good for your mental health as it allows your brain to receive more oxygenated blood. This helps to bring mental focus and clarity as well as enabling you to look at any problems you may be facing with equanimity and positivity.
Join us for a one day workshop, where Stan Tabor will lead us will explore Qigong for Mindful Breathing, Standing Meditation, and Moving Qigong for Health and Tranquility. Click here for more information:
