Essential Qigong Training

There are many different types of qigong from which to choose, but in its essence, qigong training works to bring the body and mind back to a natural state of harmony and balance. No one exercise or set of exercises is essential to qigong training: what really matters is good technique. By relaxing deeply, focusing your mind, and becoming aware of tension that might prevent the flow of qi, you will be in good shape to receive the benefits of qigong.

Function

Jwing-Ming Yang, martial arts teacher and author of "The Essence of Taiji Qigong," notes that in the natural wold, cycles like the turning of the seasons or weather patterns are governed by the fluctuation of the energy of the earth. Through the cycle of the year, nature seeks to balance itself. Likewise, the human body requires balancing and harmonizing in order to operate smoothly and healthfully. At its most basic, qigong is a method of training that allows you to compensate for the stress and disruptions that life brings and return to a natural, relaxed state.

Features

While different qigong classes may vary in the exercises they teach, all qigong shares three common features, known as "The Three Intentful Corrections": correct posture, breathing, and mental focus. The Qigong Institute's web page "Getting Started With Qigong" notes that it's essential when performing qigong to stand in a relaxed posture with your spine straight, breathe deeply and smoothly from your belly, and keep your mind on the present moment as you do qigong.

Types

The best type of qigong to choose is the one offered in a class local to you by a teacher you like and trust. You'll find that most qigong classes include standing exercises, and might offer instruction in sitting meditation. If you're looking for something a little more physically dynamic, but want all the benefits of qigong, try tai chi. Michael Mayer, author of "Energy Psychology: Self-Healing Practices for Bodymind Health," notes that, "Tai Chi is perhaps the best-known method of Qigong." There is no functional difference between tai chi and qigong: they share the exact same mental focus, relaxation, and gentle movement techniques, as well as the same health benefits.

Attitude

A lighthearted, optimistic attitude is one benefit of qigong, but your qigong practice will flow more smoothly if you begin by lifting your spirits. Suzanne B Friedman, director of the Breath of the Dao Chinese medicine and self-healing clinic in San Francisco, notes that negative emotion has a strong negative impact on the body. In her book "Heal Yourself with Qigong," Friedman writes that anger, anxiety and stress create an upward-moving energy in the body. This energy can get stuck in the head, neck and shoulders, and lead to headaches, a clenched jaw and pain. As you head into a qigong practice session, drop into the floor and relax completely, but also remember to enjoy yourself.

Benefits

Qigong has many demonstrated health benefits. In their chapter on "Tai Chi and Qi Gong for Heart Health" in the book "Integrative Cardiology," Victor S. Sierpina, M. Kay Garcia and Gloria Y. Yeh note that research has shown qigong's positive effects on blood lipids, blood pressure, and heart capacity, among other measures of heart health. A 2010 review of studies published in the American Journal of Health Promotion notes that qigong has a positive impact on quality of life and psychological health, as well as physical measures such as bone density and immune function.