Qigong, Strengthening the Body, Mind and Spirit...True wellness is not about the mere absence of disease but rather the full integration and optimal functioning of the whole — body/mind/spirit... (continued below) Click the play button to see a short clip from the PBS documentary, The ancient Chinese practice of Qigong combines gentle movement, controlled breathing, and mindful awareness to simultaneously relax the body, increase energy, sharpen the mind, and strengthen immune function. The ultimate goal of Qigong practice is to assist you in reaching your ideal state of being, a state wherein you are strong, healthy, vital, and well-balanced, with a relaxed sense of self and the world around us. Experience shows that there are no shortcuts to achieving such levels of wellness, nor are there quick fixes that provide lasting relief or recovery once wellness has been compromised. Modern culture places great emphasis on getting things done fast. With wellness, this approach typically provides results shy of ideal. Instead of masking symptoms, Qigong (also spelled Chi Kung) strengthens the whole, addressing the underlying cause of illness by treating the "dis-ease" state at its root, without unwelcome side-effects. There are 168 hours in a week. Regardless of method, few people participate in any given therapy more than an hour or so. What you do during those remaining hours either supports or undermines your chances of success. Reclaiming and maintaining wellness is an ongoing process, the result of self-empowerment and increased awareness. Qigong is exceedingly effective in this regard. 
In as little as 10 to 20 minutes a day you can:
The ancient art of Qigong covers an array of practices, some highly complex, others deceptively simple. There are routines appropriate for every age and every level of wellness. Many methods requiring little movement yield boundless benefits. In China, Qigong is considered the core of both taiji (tai chi) and the martial arts. Qigong is a potent adjunctive therapy and a highly effective, self-sustained treatment modality. Many Chinese clinics use only Qigong. Arguably, it is the most widely embraced form of self-healing in the world. Qigong is also the most scientifically tested. Detailed research summaries are available, but to really appreciate Qigong, you must experience it. While most Western exercise focuses on the energy of movement, qigong focuses on the movement of energy. Qigong benefits circulation, gently relaxing the joints and tendons while reestablishing an individual awareness of the body. As bodily energy begins to flow more smoothly within this process, general health improves, without undue stress and fatigue. Qigong enhances flexibility, balance, and coordination, tones the muscles, and increases stamina and concentration. It has been scientifically established that qigong stimulates our natural immune function. Qigong also has a calming effect on the nervous system, effectively mitigating numerous conditions. Qigong encourages the revelation and realization of personal potential on all levels. The study of Qigong can be an immensely rewarding experience. The regular practice of Qigong may not change the world, but it will change your world. The great cycle of life, from infancy to old age, affects every aspect of living — our vitality, our health, our healing. Each stage of the cycle brings unique challenge and unique opportunity. My approach to wellness is correspondingly unique. I invite and encourage you to reclaim the innate wisdom of your body, your mind, your spirit. I invite and encourage you, "Come to the edge..." View Qigong research... (PDF, 277kb) |
