Table of Contents
What it is and what it means
Qi corresponds tolife energy, what we spend during the day and which is directly influenced by what we do, think and how we eat. Even the exchanges we have with others, the time spent in nature, physical movement, study and deepening, contact with animals and with water and the sun, time dedicated to meditation are all factors that increase and nourish the Qi. Foods also have their own Qi which decreases if it is industrial food, full of sugars, highly processed. Even the complaint, negative thoughts lower Qi. Gong represents a word that encompasses a type of work well done, carried out as if it were sacred, like a ritual.
Qi Gong represents one form of exercise or dynamic of ancient origins that has its origins in China. The first form of Qi Gong was based on the imitation of the Five Animals and was developed by Hua Tuo, a surgeon who lived during the Western Han dynasty (200 BC). These movements that combine grace and strength increase internal energy and work on unblocking the flow that runs within the meridians which are associated with internal organs. There are many styles of Qi Gong and they all work to harmonize the internal energy.
Among the main ones we have the Qi Gong Medical which goes to cure certain pathologies and the Martial Qi Gong which gives power to the body as a function of combat and the execution of forms. There are many branches including Buddhist, Confucian, Taoist depending on the area of origin. It falls under the name of Zhu Ji the Qi Gong which gives physical and mental relaxation, while the Qi Gong is called Ning Jing Lian Qi allows you to enter the energy of your energy fields.
There are many other variations and in the West the various masters carry on various types of traditions. If you feel called to this kind of beautiful job, you will also find it the key to the type of Qi Gong that’s right for us. Exploring and feeling become fundamental processes for choosing your own type of practice.
Benefits
Among the benefits of Qi Gong there is an improvement in posture, in alignment. One finds one’s energy center better and reaches it higher concentration both about yourself and about what you do every day. The condition of the joints and tissues improves, the mind is freed and excess fluids are removed. Disorganized thoughts that create imbalance decrease e increases energy global vitality.
The relations and professional field performance. The body understands better what it wants and what it doesn’t, even at the level of food choices. Tensions are released and circulation and proprioception improve. Me too’pay attention to breathing it makes us feel more in our center and act from that space of calm that allows us to make the right decisions for us.
There are no age limits for start practicing Qi Gong but you must keep in mind your motor experience, any injuries or conditions after surgery. You never work with pain or excessive fatigue inside the body. It is necessary maintain courage and strength even if perhaps at the first executions it is not possible to maintain positions for a long time. All the benefits of Qi Gong are easily gained as long as the i is observed 3 fundamental principles of a beneficial practice:
- general relaxation;
- natural breathing;
- tranquility of mind.
These principles are both guidelines and basic intentions and are achieved if practiced regularly.
Tips for practicing
If you practice it at home it would be important to keep one clean, neutral and silent physical space. Great to practice it in nature, near the trees. Try to keep a positive mind even when concentration fails. Join the sitting meditation, with a straight column, the practice of Qi Gong represents a splendid way to get to stay inside and get to know each other better and better.
If the first few times you feel fatigued, create a growing practice: you can start with 15 minutes a day and then increase by going to practice with regularity and constancy. It is highly recommended to do the exercises at dawn, ideally between five and seven in the morning. If you are at home it might be a good idea to keep the window open, taking care not to feel cold. If you are excessively hungry or feel exhausted, rest, do not force the practice. Other times the instinct asks to practice to improve the psychophysical condition. We should leave cell phones and other distractions alone when practicing, while also asking the people who live with us to respect the silence, serenity and tranquility.
Exercises go addressed on an empty stomach, never undergoing digestion. It is also very convenient not to dive immediately on the food as soon as the practice is finished but to drink a nice glass of water. There are no details contraindications as far as Qi Gong is concerned but it would be better to avoid at least at the beginning to force, to breathe with too much force. Also try to do not force static positions on your feet if you have low blood pressure. Remember to hydrate yourself before and after the practice.
Main positions
Let’s see together 2 basic positions of classic Qi Gong through which you can manage energy, make it flow and increase it.
Standing pole (Zhan Zhuang)
A very useful position for become acquainted with energy management. The shoulders drop, relax completely and feel the sensation of the arms at the sides. You also feel the weight distributed on both feet. The legs are spread shoulder-width apart and the knees are slightly unlocked, so the lower limbs are not hyperextended. The head is held as if suspended by a thread and the neck is long and free. The arms rise in a round shape, the elbows down and the palms towards the navel. You breathe in and out naturally as you feel the energy expand. The gaze turns forward throughout the practice. Initially it is maintained for a time which then gradually increases. This position strengthens the entire immune system.
Qi Shi
Here the whole body remains relaxed and the feet are parallel and as wide as the shoulders, with the toes pointing inwards, the arms are relaxed at the sides with the fingers stretched but not excessively, the palms facing the body. Regular breathing is maintained throughout the body as it expands. Strengthens the whole body, clears the mind, calms the breath, helps circulation, improves the condition of the skin and helps to keep calm and feel even for the dynamic and static forms others of Qi gong.
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