Qigong

Qi (pronounced “chee”) is one’s internal energy, life’s driving force. We all have qi. Gong refers to the gradual acquisition of skills and knowledge through one’s practice over the years. Qigong cultivates internal energy through practice of movements aimed at improving and maintaining health, particularly of the internal organs.

There are two types of qigong: hard qigong and soft qigong. Hard qigong is characterized by explosive movements such as those used in martial arts; soft qigong aims to nurture qi through slower, more flowing movements. We will be concerned primarily with soft qigong.

In qigong, we repeat a single movement multiple times, coordinating breathing with the movement and closing out that movement before moving on to the next. In general, time your breathing with your movements: inhale with opening and rising movements; exhale with closing and sinking movements. Consistent practice of the exercises herein will help calm the mind, as well as improve balance, circulation, coordination, and overall health.

(Adapted from William Ting, Answers to Common Tai Chi and Qigong Questions, Xlibris, 2011.)

Practitioners should consult their doctor before engaging in the exercises featured herein. Users practice at their own risk.