Qi Gong and Tai Chi

What is Qi Gong?

Qi Gong is an ancient Chinese form of movement exercise that promotes the flow of Qi or Chi (vital energy/life force) through the body. Qi Gong exercises comprise various movements for opening, stretching and mobilising the joints, breathing awareness, static postures, slow movement exercises, slow walking and sitting meditation. Most of the theory behind Qi Gong is common to Chinese Medicine with which it has a traditional link. Qi Gong is mostly taught for health maintenance purposes, but can also be used as a therapeutic intervention.

What is Tai Chi Movement and how is it different from Qi Gong?

It is important to put in a paragraph about the difference between these two forms of movement because whilst they both come from the same root and culture and have the same goals, their use and function is slightly different due to the emphasis placed on each.

We could say there is Qi Gong and there is Tai Chi Qi Gong. For ease of explanation let us say that even the same exercises are used. exercise helps nourish and stimulate the flow and well being of the energy and life force of the practitioner. Tai Chi Qi Gong is more about using the movements as a mirror to see how we create blocks in our health and well being and thus to replace them with wholesome attention. You might say we learn to differentiate between surviving life and living it - a very important distinction in breast cancer rehabilitation. As such the emphasis in Tai Chi Qi Qong is more about who does it and how it is done, rather than on what is done. By coming back into harmony with ourselves, the life force flows.

Qi Gong can be said to be a system of exercises, more of a treatment with a meditative feel.  Tai Chi Qi Gong movement is more of a process of meditative discovery to see who we truly are, which has great physical benefits as well. Both are excellent.  

How can it help?

Qi Gong exercises are very simple but very effective. Each action aims to improve the flow of Qi in the body. Traditionally, Qi Gong exercises are prescribed by Chinese doctors for specific conditions. Medical Qi Gong treatment has been officially recognised as a standard medical technique in Chinese hospitals since 1989.

Regular practice of Qi Gong creates greater physical and mental resources to cope with life; an increased sense of balance and centredness along with better all-round health and vitality.

Qi Gong is essentially meditative. The movement forms help with flexibility and calms and rebalances the mind and body. It can be very helpful with the side effects of breast cancer treatment e.g. fatigue and hot flushes. It can also be helpful with emotional distress and helps you to be more involved with your own healing process. Practising Qi Gong allows you to be more in the moment and feel more present. So Qi Gong practice can help smooth your life out. Instead of being constantly up and down you become aware of that fluid flow in the body; you are much more aware of how you are and how you feel.

From a Chinese Medical perspective, a lot of disease comes from emotional imbalances in your system. When you start balancing yourself energetically, you automatically begin having an impact on your emotional states.With Qi Gong exercises focus and awareness is continually both inside as well as outside.

What happens in a session of Qi Gong?

You are invited to participate in a range of gentle movements that can be done sitting or standing. A period of meditation may also be included in the class.

When can Qi Gong be practised?

Qi Gong exercises can be practised at almost any time. It is better not to practice within an hour of eating a light meal or two hours of a heavier meal. The exercises can be adapted to suit you  – from simple breathing exercises performed sitting or lying, to more vigorous exercises done standing. 

Number and length of sessions

As a practice to help develop health and well-being, Qi Gong is best developed into a regular daily practice. For those recovering from medical treatment, the practices can be built up over time to aid with convalescence.

Please view our calendar to see the full range of groups, classes and seminars at your local Haven.