Qigong is a traditional Chinese practice that integrates breathing techniques, movement, sound and self-massage. It's an effective meditative tool for relaxation, stress relief and improving health.
What Is Qigong Meditation?
Qigong (pronounced chi gong) is an ancient Chinese practice that aims to increase energy flow throughout the body. This can improve mental and physical well-being, strengthen the immune system, reduce pain, and enhance the response to medication.
How Does Qigong Meditation Benefit Me?
Meditation can help regulate your stress response, reduce chronic inflammation and maintain a healthy gut microbiome. It also helps to keep your immune system functioning properly by suppressing corticotropin-releasing hormone and catecholamine production.
Types of Qigong: Active, Dynamic and Passive
There are three main types of qigong meditation: active (dong gong), dynamic (tai chi), and passive (qigong). Each has its own benefits.
Active qigong, for example, focuses on strengthening yang energy. This form of qigong involves repeated coordinated movements that promote balance, muscle flexibility and bodily awareness.
Dynamic qigong, on the other hand, aims to strengthen yin energy by slowing down movements and relaxing. This style of qigong is a bit like Tai Chi but uses gentle movement and breathing to help improve strength, coordination, balance and body awareness.
Passive qigong, on the otherhand, aims to calm the mind and relax the body by focusing on visualization or mental focusing. This type of meditation can be done seated or standing.
You can practice qigong on your own, or with the guidance of a trained instructor. However, it's also worth remembering that qigong isn't for everyone. It takes patience and repetition to learn the practice.