The benefits of qigong
When I moved to NY City in my 20’s I went to the now famous Open Center for many different classes. Two that really made an impression on me were tai chi and qigong, both ancient Chinese systems of moving ones energy through slow moving exercises, breath work, meditation, and mindfulness. For a few years I did qigong regularly, but then slowly lost touch with my practice and forgot about it.
Little did I know then that 10 years later I would become a Chinese medical practitioner using acupuncture, herbs and energy work to heal my patients. Qigong resurfaced for me over the years but it wasn’t until I attended a 5 day course at Omega Institute with Master Robert Peng that I remembered the power these energy systems can have on the body and mind.
Similar to tai chi, Qigong is a system of energy circulation that has been in use by millions of people for at least 2000 years. It incorporates slow moving exercises that help to move energy throughout the body along with breath work, meditation, and mindfulness. It is accessible to virtually everyone including the very young and very old with no prior experience needed to participate.
What I have found over the years treating clients is that stress is the number 1 cause of illness and pain in our modern fast passed life. The western medical practice of giving people medication to cover up symptoms is really just a bandaid. Stress reduction techniques can truly cure many of the manifestations of stress and qigong, a great stress reliever, is becoming more and more popular at wellness centers, yoga studios and community centers across the US.
Here are a few of its benefits:
Helps prevent disease and cancer by boosting the immune system
Lowers blood pressure
Reduces stress and anxiety
Reduces inflammation
Increases balance and strength
Improves digestive, circulatory and nervous systems
Reduces chronic pain
Improves sleep
