Qi Gong is a gentle slow movement that is relaxing and energizing at the same time. It nurtures, unblocks and circulates the energy within our bodies. Qigong incorporates breath work, visualization, sounds and meditation to bring healing on many levels...physically, emotionally and spiritually.
In practicing Qi Gong the body relaxes and the muscles soften. The body begins to open and as you stretch and move, the body relaxes further and the energy moves more freely throughout your body. The movement, breath, sounds, visualizations and intention all support and encourage the releasing of blockages and the gathering of qi. This caring for ourselves gives us balance and strength to handle the outside activities throughout our day.
The Chinese word qi has many meanings. In Qi Gong, it refers to the breath, energy or essence of life. The word gong refers to work or cultivating. So Qigong is the practice of energy cultivation. Although the term Qigong has only been in use for a little over 50 years, its method and philosophy have been studied and refined for over 5,000 years.