What Is Qigong?
Qigong
What Is Qigong?
Qigong is a Chinese system of holistic health practice, with roots dating back five thousand years. “Energy cultivation” is an excellent translation for Qigong, because it conveys the idea that, just as an agricultural field is cultivated with careful tending over time to produce food, your own field of life energy is cultivated so that your body and mind are nourished.
Qigong is suitable for any age, any ability and any type of personality. It can be adapted to fit any need. No one is excluded.
Qigong brings body, breathing and mind together to perform movements and hold postures that exercise the whole person. While usually performed standing, it can also be performed seated and even lying down!! Although most Qigong is characterised by slow, flowing movements, it can also be still, as well as more energetic and active. There are literally thousands of different qi gong styles. Which is why you will see it written in so many different ways (Qi Gong, Qigong, Chi Gong, Chi Kung), and every teacher will have different styles and forms.
The art of Qigong is an effective method of reducing stress and promoting a relaxed body and calm mind. It increases flexibility, strength, balance and general wellbeing. Many people have found that Qigong practice brings youthful vitality and a positive outlook to their lives.
Qigong really is a total mind / body movement based practice, and is being ‘rediscovered’ by the West as one of the most effective ways to harmonise our bodies, synchronise our nervous systems, prevent aging and create strength, energy and suppleness, as well as cultivating a calm, focused mind.
Qigong not only connects us to our own internal energy, but the energy of the Earth and the Universe, once more bringing the spiritual into balance with the physical, which is one of the many reasons I love it so much, as it combines my love of energy work and flow into a healing practice that can be done by everyone.
Many modern inflammatory health conditions, such as fibromyalgia, high blood pressure, stress, anxiety, hormonal issues, back and joint pain, mobility issues and many other diseases can be managed and brought into a state of balance and harmony with Qigong. It works well as a stand alone practice, and also if you mix it up with other fitness and wellbeing modalities, being perfect as a rehabilitation tool.
The postures and stances make you really strong, building the fascia and the immune system. Qigong activates our inner healer, not only strengthening the body but also the mind, and is very much based around intention. Where you put your mind, the Qi will flow. There is a Chinese saying that the “Yi leads the Qi”. Yi is a calm, focused mind, full of intention. By allowing your body and mind to relax so that tension, unnecessary muscle action and superfluous mental activity do not get in the way enables your mind into a perfect state of attention in the present moment, which will allow you to develop the ability to move effortlessly and feel the flow of life energy through your body… the mind and the breath lead the Qi, the Qi leads the blood, the blood nourishes the organs.
Qigong is an internal practice, and so although is often done in classes and groups, it is also a solo practice. As part of a bespoke healing consultation with you, I can offer Qigong tailored to you that you can do at home as part of your healing practice, alongside herbal advice and all the other healing treatments that I offer.
Message me to book a private consultation.
How Qigong Affects The Body
Our bodies are filled with Qi, life force energy. Qi is the energy that fills us and our fascia. Imagine that energy flows through us like rivers, the meridians. Sometimes these rivers can get blocked or become stagnant. Our 21st century lifestyles and lack of movement don’t keep our bodies and our energies flowing as they should, creating tension, stress, pain, inflammation and dis-ease. The practice of Qigong allows us to release that stagnation, unblock the pools whilst bringing fresh new energy into the body, helping it to stay strong, toned and supple.
Qi gong strengthens the body…expanding the fascia, bringing vitality and energy to the organs. It brings flexibility to joints and strengthens the muscles promoting longevity.
How Qigong Affects The Mind
Qigong calms the mind by using a variety of different breath work techniques. stimulating the vagus nerve which soothes and calms the parasympathetic nervous system, bringing us into “rest and digest” mode. Through mindful breathing the lungs are nourished and gain expansion bringing oxygen to nourish the body.
How Qigong Affects The Spirit/Your Energy
Qigong connects us to a deeper understanding of ourselves, the Earth and the Universe. By “plugging” us in, reconnecting directly with the energy of the earth, nature and the universe, harmonising and bringing balance to our whole energy system, which in turn supports the body.. healing and balance for mind, body and spirit.
I started practicing Qi Gong myself during the first lockdown…and loved the sense of calm and balance it brought to me, as well as giving me more focus and flexibility. I have noticed a significant reduction in joint pain and stiffness.
It harmonises with the way I work by blending together the energies of the elements, the body, mind and spirit.
I taught step and aerobics back in the 90’s, and have been practicing yoga for many years. In Qi Gong I have found a modality that can be done by anyone, of any age or fitness level, it is gentle but powerful, relaxing and energising, building strength, posture and balance as well as being a meditative practice, and something that I know I will be able to practice well into my old age. Many people who have been practicing other modalities for many years but have injuries sustained from them have found their way to qi gong.
What is Qi?
In the words of my Qigong teacher Nick Loffree “ Is Chi even real? Is it a metaphor? Is it just electricity? Is it just a placebo? In my experience, it’s all of the above, and more. Chi can translate as energy, breath, air, or function. It can refer to the underlying energy forming all of reality. It can also refer to just the vital energy that animates life forms like us.
At the end of the day, the art of Chi Kung, or Skillful Chi Cultivation, has made a huge impact on my life and the lives of so many of my students.
It hasn’t solved every health issue, but it has solved many, and I continue to be surprised by students who write in all the random and unexpected issues it has resolved for them. It also doesn’t take away all the stressors of life, but it sure helps deal with the stress itself. The ancients who created Chi Kung described its effects in terms of Chi, the purifying, building, and circulating of the life force. To them, the idea of atoms one billionth the size of the head of a pin would have sounded like esoteric gobbledy gook, much like the existence of a life giving energy running through a parallel dimension sounds like mumbo jumbo to us. That is what they studied. What they practiced. What they devoted entire lives to mastering.
I took a chance over a decade ago, while still struggling with the lingering effects of psychosis, and took their word for it. While I have come across a lot of BS since, I’ve also come across a lot of incredible masters, powerful healers, and life changing healing for myself.
So is Chi real? To me yes. But its also besides the point. Maybe its just an effect if calming the nervous system, or reintegrating the fascia, or regulating the brainwaves. I don’t really care. It works, so I’ll take it as it is.” – Nick Loffree
For me, as an energy worker, I am 100% sure that Qi exists – in my day to day life I feel it, in my Reiki healing work I feel it, as a herbalist and gardener working with the energies of plants, I feel it, in my soul midwife and psychopomp work I feel it, and when I practice Qigong I feel it!
When you begin Qigong, you will feel sensations in your body, here is a breakdown of what they are and mean;
The 8 Sensational Experiences of Qi – Ba Chu (Eight Touches):
1. Shaking vibrating – Caused by Yang Qi or Fire Qi moving through the channels.
2. Excitement- Buzzing high feeling, a sign of Yang Qi moving at increased rates.
3. Feeling cold – This is how the body processes regions with chronic Qi Deficiency. It’s very natural and occurs typically when energetic pathogens leave the body.
4. Feeling hot – We feel more intense heat as a sign of resistance due to blocked channels, this settles to a more comfortable warmth as channels clear with continued practice.
5. Feeling light – As too much Qi moves upward into the body towards the upper dantian, it can feel unrooting as if you are floating. This is usually a sign that not enough grounding is being practiced.
6. Sinking feeling – As more Yin and water Qi build in the physical vessel, you will feel heavier and more drawn towards the ground.
7. Tight feeling – Strong Qi flow through a channel can make it feel tight temporarily. This is quite normal for beginners to feel in the first few weeks of practice.
8. Feeling soft – As the channels continue to open and release tension your body will feel softer and more slack, less tight, therefore less tension.
As well as one to ones, I am offering classes, workshops and retreat days, you can keep up to date with all of these by signing up to my newsletter or keeping an eye on my events page and socials.
Qigong and Sound
The ancients knew about the healing power of sound and vibrations thousands of years ago.
Sound healing works by using specific frequencies and vibrations to promote physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. When combined with practices like Qigong, sound healing can be particularly effective due to the way it complements and enhances the energy work that Qigong practitioners engage in. Here’s why sound healing works, especially in tandem with Qigong:
1. Resonance and Vibration
Sound healing works on the principle of resonance. Every organ and cell in your body has its own natural frequency. When you listen to certain sound frequencies, especially those produced by instruments like crystal singing bowls, these sounds can resonate with your body and bring your cells back into their natural frequency. This can promote healing, reduce stress, and help release emotional blockages.
When combined with the vibrations of your own voice, the effects are even more powerful. The ancient Qigong masters taught the '6 sound secret'. A series of powerful sounds that align with each organ in the body to bring about physical and emotional healing. The Chinese use sound healing as part of their allopathic protocol in cancer treatment.
There have been studies done that prove sound waves and vibration kill cancer cells - and the power of the voice is even more effective. In one study on sound waves and cancer cells, it was found that gongs destroyed cancerous cells in 14 minutes, the human voice achieved the same in just 9 minutes!!! Toning and using our own voice in this way also reduces inflammation, and detoxifies, resets the vagus nerve and promotes calm in the body and mind. This is why in all my Qigong classes and events I encourage the use of sound in some way.
2. Harmonizing Qi (Energy)
In Qigong, the focus is on cultivating and balancing the life force energy, known as Qi. Sound healing complements this by using vibrations to further move and harmonize the Qi throughout the body. The frequencies from sound healing instruments can help clear stagnant or blocked energy, making Qigong practice more effective and profound.
3. Deep Relaxation and Meditation
Both Qigong and sound healing induce deep states of relaxation and meditation. The gentle movements of Qigong combined with the calming vibrations of sound healing can help quiet the mind, lower stress levels, and bring the body into a state of rest where healing can occur more easily. This synergy allows practitioners to enter a deeper meditative state, enhancing the overall healing experience.
4. Balancing the Nervous System
Sound healing has been shown to activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for rest, digestion, and recovery. This helps to lower cortisol levels, reduce anxiety, and promote overall well-being. Qigong, with its focus on breath and slow movements, also works to calm the nervous system. Together, they create a powerful combination that supports nervous system regulation and enhances overall health.
5. Enhancing Mind-Body Connection
Qigong helps practitioners develop a strong mind-body connection through mindful movement and breathwork. Sound healing deepens this connection by providing a sensory experience that engages both the body and the mind. The vibrations from the sound can be felt in the body, helping to ground and focus the mind, which amplifies the benefits of Qigong practice.
6. Emotional and Spiritual Healing
Sound has the ability to bypass the conscious mind and directly influence the subconscious, where deep-seated emotional issues often reside. Qigong’s focus on cultivating Qi can bring these issues to the surface, and sound healing can help to release and transmute these emotions, leading to profound emotional and spiritual healing.
Contraindications to a sound bath
Key Contraindications for Sound Healing & Energy Work
1. Pregnancy – 1st and 3rd Trimester
Sound healing offers numerous benefits for expectant mothers, but special precautions should be taken during the first and third trimesters.
Sound Amplification: Sound travels faster through liquid, meaning that the baby will experience an amplified version of the sound. This heightened exposure could overstimulate the baby or damage their hearing.
Hormonal Impact: Sound healing triggers the release of oxytocin, a hormone involved in bonding, love, and labour. While oxytocin release is usually beneficial, in pregnant women, particularly in the later stages, it could potentially stimulate early labour.
Physical Release: Sound healing can prompt the body to "release" stored tensions, which could, in rare cases, lead to early labour or miscarriage during these sensitive periods.
If you're pregnant and still wish to attend, discuss any concerns with your practitioner and consider modifications like sitting or lying further away from the instruments to reduce the intensity of the vibrations.
2. Heart Conditions
If you have a history of heart conditions or have a pacemaker, it's essential to consult your healthcare provider before attending a sound healing session, especially one that involves strong vibrations, such as a gong bath. These vibrations could affect the pacemaker or create discomfort for those with certain heart issues.
3. Metal Plates or Implants
Although sound healing is generally safe, some uncertainty exists about its effect on individuals with metal implants like pins or plates. While the research is inconclusive, it’s wise to speak with a medical professional beforehand. Notify your sound therapist so they can make necessary accommodations to ensure your comfort and safety during the session.
4. Mental Health Conditions
Sound healing can be incredibly beneficial for mental health, helping to release emotional blockages and promote relaxation. However, those with mental health concerns should speak with their practitioner in advance. Sound healing often triggers emotional releases, which can bring up intense feelings. A skilled practitioner will create a safe and supportive environment, allowing you to explore and process these emotions at your own pace. If you have any concerns about this, talk to me about experiencing a 1 to 1 session.
5. Sound Sensitivity or Highly Sensitive Individuals
If you are particularly sensitive to sound, it's recommended that you sit further away from the instruments or ask that the sound not be directed at you. Communicate your preferences to the practitioner, who can tailor the session to minimise discomfort and still provide a beneficial experience.
6. Hearing Impaired or Deaf Individuals
People who are hearing impaired or deaf can still benefit from sound healing. While they may not hear the sounds, they will experience the healing vibrations through their bodies. It is suggested that hearing-impaired individuals sit closer to the instruments to feel the full effect of the sound waves.
Safety Tips and Final Considerations
Communicate with Your Practitioner: Whether you're pregnant, have a heart condition, or are sensitive to sound, always inform your practitioner of your condition beforehand. This allows them to modify the session to suit your needs.
Speak to Your Doctor: For conditions like heart issues or metal implants, it's wise to get the green light from a healthcare provider before attending a sound bath or therapy session.
Personal Comfort: Ultimately, you know your body best. If at any point you feel uncomfortable during a session, it's okay to stop, take a break, or ask for adjustments.
Sound healing can be a deeply restorative practice when approached with mindfulness and care. By considering these contraindications and taking the appropriate precautions, you can safely enjoy the calming, therapeutic benefits of this ancient practice.
Wishing you much love, green blessings and good Qi,
Sam, AuroraStar Green Witch XXX
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