What is Qigong?
Qigong is an ancient mindful movement practice that was developed in China thousands of years ago. Like yoga and Tai Chi, is a mindful movement practice that can help to heal physical (stiffness and pain) as well as emotional (stress, depression, and anxiety) problems.
There are quite a few types of Qigong- including medical and martial qigong. Tai Chi is a martial art and Qigong is a healing art (we will not go into the differences now) but they have the same roots. There are thousands of types of qigong and Tai Chi. The Qigong that I do- White Tiger Qigong- is a combination of ancient Daoist medical qigong and modern Western sport science.
What is the purpose of qigong?
“When there is no free flow, there is pain, and where there is free flow, there is no pain. Stagnation is the foundation of all pathology”- White Tiger Qigong
The healing benefits of Tai Chi is well described.
The aim of qigong is to heal physical and emotional symptoms, and ultimately help us to reach our full human potential.
Qigong involves the storage and movement of qi through the body. Qigong has many benefits such getting release from trauma stored in the body by wringing out the fascia. Qigong is an effective practice to release trauma stored in the fascia. It also massages the internal organs such as the liver, heart and intestines.
White Tiger Qigong, the qigong I practice, is a medical type of qigong and it uses principles of modern sport science making it even more effective.
What is a mindful movement?
Any movement can be performed mindfully. We all know about yoga, but any movement can bring the benefits of being mindful whilst moving. This includes running, dancing, and martial arts. I sometimes recommend martial arts (such as MMA or boxing) to my patients who really struggle with concentration or mindfulness.
Types of mindful movements:
As mentioned above, any movement can be mindful. The best-known ones include:
• Yoga
• Tai Chi
• Qigong
• Nia
7 Healing benefits of Qigong:
• Decreases stress and help to relieve stress related conditions
• Elevate the mood
• Assist with healing from past emotional traumas
• Can help to relieve physical pain
• Better sleep
• Increase longevity
• Increase flexibility and suppleness (enhance athletic performance)
Which is better- Qigong or Yoga?
I have been doing yoga for 20 years and qigong for less than a year, so this is difficult for me to judge it myself. I still do yoga daily and will be a yoga fan for the rest of my life. However, there are aspects of qigong that I especially enjoy.
I like the minimalist approach of qigong- you do not even need a mat. You can do it barefoot or with soft shoes. Qigong is easier to learn and can be done in a shorter time. Qigong looks extremely cool! I cannot wait to move like an experienced qigong practitioner.
Can Qigong be harmful?
Anything can be harmful, even (especially!) lying on your bed eating chocolate. The movements of qigong are gentle and safe. Yoga injuries are more common than qigong injuries. It seems people in the West have become extremely ‘competitive” in becoming flexible- just have a look at the yogis on Instagram. However, the increased flexibility that comes with yoga can cause ligaments to stretch too easily, with resultant injuries. I have not offered a lot of qigong to my patients yet- only because I am not a certified teacher yet. However, qigong seems safe and ‘trauma sensitive’. There are some contra- indications to qigong e.g. active psychosis.
Give it a try and see for yourself.
Visit White Tiger Qigong here: Qigong: What is it? | White Tiger Qigong