balancedliving QIGONG 101
Learn the Healthful Benefits of Harnessing and Channeling Your “Qi”
by Jeff Primack
Qigong is different than yoga, primarily because it requires slower more gracious movements to harness your
I
am often asked, “What is qigong (pronounced chee-gung)?” I have been introducing and teaching qigong to people for many years, and this is how I introduce it:
Qigong is the art of harnessing “qi,” which directly affects the blood
“Sunlight, breathing
techniques and high-vibration foods are
God’s natural medicine.”
flow; it is an exercise that
makes your blood pulse. This pulsing occurs by moving qi using specific breathing techniques along with postures and slow graceful movements. Qigong also encompasses the use of healing foods, herbs, acupressure and yogic stretches, all
of which energize the body, increase vitality and accelerate metabolism.
Qigong is circulation; the phrase
electromagnetic field. Some qigong exercises build muscle or speed, but most are a pulsation of qi through the body. Qigong is the “sensation of energy” and is highly tangible. A few advanced systems of yoga, like Kriya Yoga, have striking similarities to qigong, but in general qigong places a greater emphasis on precise breathing techniques. Qigong deals with smaller movements of the abdomen to circulate qi and more precise movements of the hands, rooting into the earth and opening up pathways of energy. Yoga works with energy, but to a lesser degree. We train many thousands of yoga teachers, and they are always blown away by the tangibility of qi that they experience.
Within 10 minutes of Qi-Breathing, many feel
“blood flow” is synonymous with
“moving qi.” Studies show that qigong boosts the immune system
and is beneficial for those fighting cancer. Dr. Oz was quoted by saying that if you want to live to be 100, practice qigong. Most acupuncturists are strong believers in qigong, and some actually prescribe exercises for their patients to practice between treatments.
electricity in their hands. “The Buzz,” as we call it in the qigong family, is a reaction caused by increased levels of oxygen and ions, which I believe accelerates the vibration of our mitochondria. Many describe the inner buzzing or vibrational feeling as a natural high, and it has the obvious effect of stimulating endorphins. Many people describe “Perma-Grin” where the gratitude is so overwhelming and the joy so potent that they can’t stop smiling for a short time.
34 Natural Awakenings San Antonio
Jeff Primack
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