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Qigong is a form of mindful movement that uses energy to initiate healing and bring balance to your body and mind. Find out how this ancient Chinese discipline uses gentle movements, breathwork, and mindfulness to unlock emotional well-being.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\nBetween work, school, family responsibilities, and busy social calendars, life can sometimes feel like a little too much to handle. Fortunately, incorporating a spiritual movement practice like qigong can help you build the resilience and fortitude you need to get through tough situations. Research has shown that this gentle yet powerful practice can have a profound impact on your mental health, helping to regulate your emotions, reduce stress, and promote a state of relaxation.<\/p>\n
Read on to learn more about qigong, its benefits and risks, and how it can help you overcome stress and depression.<\/p>\n
What Is Qigong?\u00a0<\/h2>\n
Qigong, an ancient Chinese practice rooted in mind-body connection, combines coordinated movement, breathing exercises, and meditation techniques. It cultivates your body\u2019s vital energy, known as \u201cqi,\u201d which is a life force or \u201cenergy source that powers all life forms and keeps us alive,\u201d says Siu Ping Negrin, a qigong healer, spiritual coach, and author of Stronger Than Your Stress<\/em>.<\/p>\nNicole Lee, an internationally certified qigong teacher, tells DailyOM, \u201cThe best way to describe qigong is as a gentle and restorative exercise therapy that incorporates a variety of styles of movement, acupressure practices, presence, and stillness.\u201d<\/p>\n
The movements and holistic practices of qigong can help you achieve a state of mindfulness and alignment. \u201cWhile resonating with the universe in this state, through osmosis you can absorb the maximum flow of energy to nourish your mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being,\u201d Negrin says.<\/p>\n
While it\u2019s easy to mistake qigong for tai chi, a closely connected ancient Chinese martial art that\u2019s evolved into a meditative form of exercise, they\u2019re distinct from one another.<\/p>\n
\u201cEssentially, qigong is considered an internal practice and tai chi is considered an external practice and martial art,\u201d explains Lee.<\/p>\n
Interested in learning more? Check out\u00a0<\/strong>Meditation for Anxiety<\/strong><\/p>\nIs Qigong Meditation or Exercise?<\/h2>\n
What makes qigong unique is that it\u2019s considered a form of both meditation and <\/em>exercise.<\/p>\n\u201cIt\u2019s both a static and dynamic movement and energy-based practice, based in presence and awareness,\u201d Lee says. When you\u2019re in a relaxed, meditative state, you\u2019re able to better absorb the flow of qi from the universe into your body. When you combine movement and meditation, you not only bring more awareness and healing to your emotional health, but also to your physical health.<\/p>\n
Unlike many other forms of exercise, qigong isn\u2019t an intense physical activity. That\u2019s because its primary purpose isn\u2019t necessarily to build muscle or help you break a sweat. Yet because many of the movements involve stretching, acupressure, and rhythmic maneuvers, qigong can help enhance your strength, build flexibility, and improve balance, Lee says.<\/p>\n
\u201cUltimately, qigong can be used for the purposes of meditation, awareness training, gentle exercise, developing qi, spiritual practice, internal alchemy, and self-healing, to name a few,\u201d she explains. \u201cIt depends on which practices are used and the intent of one\u2019s practice.\u201d<\/p>\n
How Do You Practice Qigong for Healing?<\/h2>\n
According to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), energy flows throughout our bodies via pathways called meridians. These meridians serve as vital conduits, allowing us to understand and address imbalances or blockages in the flow of energy.<\/p>\n
\u201cQigong encourages the flow of energy through this matrix and, as a result, improves the functioning of all systems of the body at a holistic level,\u201d says Lee.<\/p>\n
One of the main principles of TCM is that tension is the cause of all disease, Lee says. While tension is commonly associated with physical discomfort, it can also impact our mental, emotional, and spiritual health.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf we hold onto mental and emotional tension, that creates tension as well,\u201d she adds. \u201cQigong assists us in processing the tension related to thoughts and emotions, which in turn also improves the energy flow through the body.\u201d<\/p>\n
When you release this stress, your body is able to function optimally and potentially resolve health issues that may be related to the energetic blockages you may have been experiencing.<\/p>\n
In addition to dispelling pent-up tension, qigong helps prevent the buildup of negative energy and toxic emotions. Case in point: A review published in January 2018 in the journal Focus<\/em> found that qigong\u2019s gentle, slow movements and breathing exercises help bring awareness to how your body feels, which can help you become less reactive to negative thoughts and impulses.<\/p>\n\u201cThe practice plays a valuable role in keeping our hearts calm and our minds clear and focused,\u201d says Negrin.<\/p>\n
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