Alternative healing practices, qigong and yoga, fit together to make an effective wellness routine, according to the Qigong Institute. Qigong has been called "Chinese Yoga" and yoga has been called "Indian Qigong". Consult with your doctor before embarking on a new regimen.
Qigong
According to the Qigong Research and Practice Center, Qi is defined as life energy or vital breath. Most people are typically unaware of this energy, so learning how to work with the Qi, is what Qigong is. Through postures, respiratory techniques and meditation, you become aware of this energy and learn how to control it. The Qigong Research and Practice Center claims it is one of the most cost effective self-healing methods in the world.
Yoga and Qigong
The goal of yoga is to unite mind, body and spirit, according to iyengar-yoga.com. And because practicing qigong helps you become aware of life energy, the two go hand-in-hand. Several yoga studios are now offering qigong yoga classes across the country. The classes teach connecting or returning to source, with source being defined as "something wonderful inside of you which you can open to," according to nowyoga.com.
Institute of Integral Qigong and Tai Chi
If you're already a yoga teacher and looking to become educated to teach qigong yoga classes, the teacher certification through Institute of Integral Qigong and Tai Chi, will give you the necessary knowledge. They offer several different levels of certification programs that include a required amount of self study and all day intensive workshops that must be completed in person. The program duration starts at 200 hours and goes up to 600 hours.
Sacred Energy Arts Yoga Teacher Training
If you're not already a certified yoga teacher but want to teach qigong specific yoga classes, a program offered at the Yoga Yard, located in Beijing, will give you the required hours to become a certified yoga teacher through Yoga Alliance and also give you education in teaching qigong. The program requires 200 hours of class time and is completed in four sections. The cost is just under $1,000 U.S. dollars.
Member Comments