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Spotlight on QiGong!
By Keith Root

Qigong literally means the "practice of vital energy". What is this "vital energy" and why should we practice it? The Chinese believe that our vital energy is that "energy" which keeps us alive and call it simply Chi (Qi). If we have Chi we are alive; without Chi we are dead. It is as simple and complex as that. There are many forms of Chi; food chi, air chi, water chi and so on. Qigong focuses on that Chi that is passed down to us from our parents (essence chi). Cultivating that Chi gives us longevity and good health.

Using the traditional Chinese Yin/Yang model we can separate Qigong into two distinct modes. One mode is stillness (Yin) with movement (Yang) being the opposing but integrated duality. There are many types of Qigong but they fall mainly into 4 categories. They include 1) Natural 2) Healing 3) Spiritual and 4) Martial. While there is much overlap between these disciplines there are characteristics that are unique to each. In this introduction we will primarily deal with fundamental Qigong also known as "natural" Qigong.

The yin side of Natural Qigong stresses stillness in either sitting or standing positions. Using comfort as a guide one progresses through different stages of stillness understanding. This type of practice is called Natural Meditation. Natural Qigong meditation involves awareness of your comfort level. When you become uncomfortable during practice you may revert to an earlier more comfortable level and then after becoming comfortable again you can resume the more strenuous level.

The yang side emphasizes movement. These movements are usually slow-paced and intended to circulate the Chi through the body's meridians unlocking the body's natural healing and balancing systems. Using breath as the guide; movements are coordinated to the breath rather than coordinating your breath to the movement. Again using comfort as your guide you try to remain comfortable (and balanced) while performing the movements. For example you may find that your legs wobble or are unsteady while stepping. Taking shorter steps usually brings the comfort level back to optimal.

These Natural Qigong practices lead to a slow and steady improvement in balance,
mind-body awareness and self-healing.

QiGong is currently offered at YogaSoul on Wednesdays, 6:30am - 7:30am. See our class schedule for more details and to register!

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