Qigong is an ancient Chinese art of slowly moving gently through exercise postures, deep breathing, and meditation. Some term it as a “moving meditation” because it interlinks the physical postures with breathing techniques and mental concentration to cultivate and balance life energy, or qi.
Benefits of Qigong
Qigong benefits are very all-encompassing, which include:
Physical Gains
Increased flexibility: Slow-flowing movements that enable the practitioner to increase his range and flexibility.
Improved balance and coordination: Relating to overall physical ability, coordination, and balance.
Increased immunity: Deep breathing and relaxation through Qigong help to improve the immune system to eradicate disease-causing factors better.
Relief from chronic pain: Qigong aids in removing chronic pain syndromes such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, and backache.
Better sleep: The soothing effects of Qigong improve the quality of sleep and reduce sleep disorders.
Mental Benefits
Reduces stress and anxiety: Qigong minimizes your anxiety, depression, as well as stress through awareness and deep breathing.
Having an extremely clear mind as well as a concentration: As part of the routine practice, Qigong increases as well as strengthens the concentration ability, memory as well as cognitive skills.
Emotional growth: Qigong will balance your emotions toward having a positive aspect by being able to improve overall moods.
Spiritual growth through Qigong: Qigong may connect you deeper toward yourself to realize more spiritual growth within.
Other Benefits of Qigong
Weight loss: Qigong may increase healthy eating behaviors and reduce stress eating.
Energy production: Qigong has the ability to increase the level of energy in the body and reduce fatigue feelings.
Disorders within the digestive system: qigong strengthens the digestive system and hence reduces disorders or problems that are related to the digestive system.
Qigong for Beginners: A Fresh Move
Qigong is an easy practice where anyone, regardless of their current fitness level or age can enjoy and learn. As long as you are having difficulty starting Qigong, then do not stress because here are some tips on qigong for beginners:
Seek Quality Instruction: A quality trainer will teach all the correct movements, right breathing, and mental emphasis.
Start Slow: This can start with very mild Qigong practice techniques, and as the mind as well as the body grow accustomed and relaxed then increase step by step at regular intervals in the increasing stages of practice.
Practice every Day: Qigong must be practiced every day. At least daily practice of 15-20 minutes would be absolutely good enough for practice.
Qigong vs Tai Chi: What’s the Difference?
Qigong and Tai Chi are often contrasted and compared. Many people consider them to be quite similar, but, as in all things, there are some differences too. Both practices involve slow, flowing movements and place great emphasis on the building of qi.
Tai Chi vs Qigong: Major Differences
Movement
The movements used in qigong are usually much simpler and more localized to specific energy channels, while those employed in Tai Chi are flowing and more complex.
Focus
Qigong focuses more on breathing techniques and more inner mental focus, compared to Tai Chi, which is more physical in form along with martial arts applications.
Speed
Qigong movements are slow-paced; rather, they are primarily meditative. Tai Chi is also slow-paced for one’s movements but can actually speed up to be fast, especially according to style.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the exercise best suited for you is that which suits your needs and how you prefer to have it. Both practices, Qigong and Tai Chi, are great practices for overall wellness. For anyone who wishes to reach good physical and mental well-being, reduce stress or build a stronger spiritual link with themselves, Qigong is a great activity to try.
Get started in Universal ChiGong today and unlock the transformative power of this ancient art.
