What is Qi Kung?  

Qi Kung is a meditative practice, closely associated with the theory and practice of traditional Chinese medicine, which uses slow graceful movements and controlled breathing techniques to promote the circulation of subtle energy within the nervous system. This enhances the overall physical, emotional and spiritual strength of the practitioner. It is both healing and creates a felt, wholesome and meaningful connection with the universe.

Qi Kung is an internal practice which helps to build a person’s vital energy. Qi kung literally refers to the cultivation of one's qi energy, which is present in all living things, the dynamic life force or in essence, the spirit of the body concerned with life and survival, an extension of the spirit of the creator. In humans, this life force moves blood, allows the nerves to conduct impulses, warms the body and generally functions as the fundamental ‘energy of life’. The ‘kung’ of qi kung refers to work, literally meaning, “working your qi.” If exercised and cultivated, this vital energy can be increased and strengthened, can help reduce stress by decreasing cortisol production, lift ones mood through the release of endorphins, and generally support the experience of optimal health. 

Vital Life Force or Qi Energy

In the ancient Chinese tradition, "Chi" (or Qi) means internal energy or the breath of life. This vital life force has been the topic of many philosophies of life and all forms of ancient language have a word to describe this vital energy, known as Qi in Chinese or prana in Sanskrit, Ki in Japanese, Ruach in Hebrew, Pneuma from Greece and Ka in Egypt. This Chi energy can also be cultivated through other practices including yoga, pneuma breathing and tai chi. 

This vital Qi energy is noticeable and palpable in the body and can be felt as a vibration or electrical current which is physically circulated through channels called meridians. For a moment place your attention somewhere in your body, you can feel that it is not just your perception that is focused there. Something else is happening. Energy is displaced to that area. It is possible to measure this: stay present for a few minutes, the temperature of the very spot that you focus your attention on will rise. Evidence of good qi kung is also a feeling of warmth in the palms. Also, ones physical senses may become more acute. Qi kung should never be done before bedtime as the movement of qi will keep you up at night. 

What is the difference between Qi Kung and Yoga? 

Qi kung is different than yoga in that Qi Kung, like Tai Chi, emphasizes "rooting" even more than Yoga does. In fact, many qi kung exercises are done on your feet, cultivating the ability to "root" so well (that no push can move you) is one of the first strengths to develop. Yoga emphasizes more flexibility, while Qi Kung can be done while standing, sitting or even lying down and requires little or no movement.

The Background and Practice of Qi Kung

Qi Kung exercises date back to the Shang Dynasty over 3300 years ago. Qi Kung is also known as Chi Gong, Qi gong, Chi Gung and Chi Kung. Although it is not a martial art, Qi Kung is often confused with Tai chi. Not surprisingly, there are more than 10,000 styles of Qi Kung and over 200 million people practicing these techniques throughout the world. 

Qi Kung is an ancient form of exercise that involves sitting, standing or moving postures with co-ordinated breathing. Qi Kung is a low impact form of exercise; that is ideal for people of any age and any state of physical fitness. Qi kung is designed to improve failing health, rebalance or enhance ones health. Many testify to a reduction or elimination of pain through the use of Qi Kung. The type of posture and the way of movement can help focus the energy into specific organs meridians or areas of the body to elicit a desired outcome. 

All the movements are ideally completed in a smooth, flowing manner, without pause between steps. Initially many people find it beneficial to do the movements very deliberately and precisely because the increased mindfulness, in combination with controlled breathing techniques helps move the Qi. 

As a practice, every qi kung exercise has at least three ingredients, providing –(1) something to do with your body, (2) something to do with your breath, and (3) something to do with your mind. Qi Kung is for everyone, of all ages and the benefits can be profound. It can be performed sitting, standing or even lying. The effort comes from taming, focusing and mastering one's own internal energy. In short, Qi Kung can thus be understood as the art of managing the breath in order to achieve and sustain good health.

Qi Kung is effective to:

• obtain stress reduction and relaxation, tension release
  
• prevent dis-ease and allergies
  
• stimulate the bodies natural healing process
  
• cultivate emotional balance
  
• gain mental clarity
  
• strengthen our connection with our body and become more connected to all things and to spirit, to facilitate a better harmony with nature and the universe
  
• stimulate our bodies vital energy and gain skill in working with this energy
  
• increase concentration, improved vitality and physical stamina
  
• enhance sexual functioning
  
• relieve joint pain
  
• gain emotional wellness and longevity 
  
• teach you about yourself and how to deal with others and external forces in your life

Monday Morning Qi Kung Practice

Join us Monday mornings from 10 (sharp) -11 am for guided Qi Kung Exercises. The cost is 10 $ for a drop-in rate. 

As space is limited, please email Matthew to pre-register for each session at: hiimori.windhorse@gmail.com  

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