By Lisa Seaman, LAc
The Taoist
practice of Qigong (pronounced chee gong) can cultivate life
force energy through movement and
visualization. The word Qi translates as “life force energy” and
Gong literally means “work or effort.” In
learning to recognize, utilize, circulate, and direct the internal
energy
of the human body, it is possible to connect with the energy of
the universe.
This body and spirit connection focuses on breathing, concentration,
and physical movements. Through the use of certain energies and
techniques, Qigong can relieve pain, strengthen the body's constitution,
improve intelligence, and prolong life.
To benefit from Qigong
exercises, the following principles should be observed:
1. Relax
and remain at ease. First of all, relax your body. Don't shrug
your shoulders or throw out your chest. Don't strain yourself
to maintain your posture; always stay comfortable. All muscles
must be relaxed, especially those of the lower abdomen. Clothes
and belt should be loose. Second, set your mind at ease and
adopt a cheerful attitude, free from all cares and worries. Regulate
your breathing after initial relaxation is attained. It is
usually
during exhalation that you can feel yourself mentally and physically
relaxed. Tranquility is attained by focusing your attention
on the exercise, banishing all other thoughts from your mind and
avoiding as many external stimuli (such as light and sound)
as
possible.
You will find yourself in a state of perfect calm. In the beginning
you may feel irritated at being unable to concentrate. This
is quite natural. Tell yourself to calm down and to be confident
and patient. Persistent practice will bring steady progress.
2. Coordinate meditation with respiration. In
Qigong exercises, respiration must be guided by meditation. In
other words, conscious
efforts must be made to regulate the rhythm of breathing, thereby
directing the flow of vital energy to various parts of the
body. While the key to meditation lies in tranquility, respiration
cannot be considered satisfactory unless it is "fine,
deep, slow, stable, leisurely, and uniform.”
3. Combine
motion with stillness. As Qigong calls for stillness, and
a minimum of motion, it should be supplemented with some
active exercises for better therapeutic results. Active exercises
should
follow Qigong exercises - in other words, motion after stillness.
4. Progress gradually. Qigong is an art that
can be perfected only through long and disciplined practice. Start
with the
easier methods
with regard to body position, breathing, and the attainment
of tranquility. Each training period should last 15-20
minutes in
the beginning, and may be gradually lengthened as time
goes on.
For more information a good reference is:
The
Way of Qigong By Kenneth S. Cohen
(amazon link @ www.umaatantra.com right side article “Female Deer Exercises”)
To
find a Qigong teacher refer to:
The Qigong Association of America, www.qi.org
The National Qigong Association, www.nqa.org
The American Qigong Association, www.eastwestqi.com
Healing touch for mind, body, and spirit…
Call 312.399.7477
or
email info@zenforyou.com
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