Starting to learn QiGong can help you to feel, work and move with more energy in yourself and your body.
It is a fantastic way to become more fully alive and conscious.
QiGong has recently gained more popularity in the Western world, however, there are hundreds of styles and many teachers and ways to teach.
There are even a surplus of definitions of what QiGong is.
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There are a plethora of ways to learn QiGong, some will seek out a professional tutor, others will seek out self learning.
There are plenty of ways for you to go about your journey with QiGong. Let us first discuss why it is good to learn QiGong, why it is so popular, and then we will discuss with you how you can go about learning QiGong.
Why is learning QiGong a good choice?
In China there are hundreds of QiGong styles and sets, some are simple and some are more complex.
Though it is not known so well, Tai Chi is a specific type of QiGong that has standardized moves and a common origin.
The difficulty with learning something such as Tai Chi instead of QiGong is that things like Tai Chi typically has a minimum of 24 movements or as many as 108.
This means it takes years and years of study and practice, which with hoe busy people are in their modern lives, most of us just do not have the time for this.QiGong is not quite as complex, and while you will still need to dedicate time and practice to learning it, it is not nearly as time-consuming as Tai Chi, or some of the other martial arts.
- QiGong does not take as long to learn as many other martial arts.
- QiGong can be practiced in more confined spaces than other exercises.
- QiGong provides a new and better way to directly feel what is going on inside your body.
- QiGong sets are chosen based on what you want to learn, you can focus on moving chi, alignments, or breathing.
Good for all ages
QiGong is great for all ages, it is among some of the most efficient and powerful health maintenance exercises a person can do.
It is gentle, and low impact, and has many exercises that are easy on the joints and can be done by those who may struggle to do other forms of aerobic exercises such yoga.
This means it is advantageous for those of all ages, old, young, and for those who may be sick or injured in some way. QiGong can also do absolute wonders in rejuvenating the elderly.
Many people in China practice arts such as QiGong over the age of 60 when aging and its effects can no longer be ignored.
It becomes a way to stay healthy and well, staying fit and in shape, keeping one’s body and energy at its peak despite the disadvantages of age.
Ways to Learn QiGong
There are many ways to learn QiGong, of course you can seek out a QiGong teacher, this is very doable, but it depends on you having a QiGong instructor and facility close to your location, which is not always an option for everyone. Another option is to try self tutoring, or even online tutoring.
You can take online classes, which will include an instructor and you being able to practice with them over internet communications from the safety of your own home. However, if you wish to learn QiGong in your own time, without having to keep to anyone else’s schedule, you can always self-teach.
While this is not always the most effective way, and it is always a good idea to have an instructor for any exercise, it is not impossible.
There are plenty of tutorials, books and informational write-ups for QiGong that exist, and you can always approach it this way.
Practicing QiGong
If you want to learn QiGong on your own from the safety of your own home.
Or if you want to practice some basics on your own before you go hunting for a tutor, there are a few steps you can take that will assist you in building your QiGong skills.
Breathing and Concentration
Breathing is a very important part of QiGong, you need to learn to breathe properly and concentrate.
If you already meditate then you may find that you will already have some experience in this area. You should practice breathing rhythmically.
As you prepare for QiGong you should settle into a fully relaxed rhythm of breathing before you begin your practice.
The quality of breathing directly relates to the overall quality of your practice.
For most people breathing is bound by habitual patterns and pent-up tension.
You need your breath to roll smoothly like calm waves, no gasping and no rushing. Learn to stretch your breath, counting to three and six between inhale and exhale.
Settle your mind as you do this, and it should come much easier, relax your body and when you move focus your breath and movement in unison.
QiGong sets
As silly as it may sound, practice your sitting posture, once you have mastered your body and mind techniques you can start completing QiGong posture sets.
Sit upright in your chair with your feet on the ground, separate your legs, keep your torso and your thighs at a right angle, and rest your eyes and mouth. Try to practice your standing posture, stand upright, with your feet parallel and separated at shoulder width.
Allow your knees to bend slightly, raise your arms so that your hands are even and are slightly lower than your shoulders.
Your elbows should bend slightly and your hands should be foot length apart with your palms pointed downward.
Allow your fingers to be separated and curved, as if you are holding a ball in a relaxed manner.
Much like when you do the sitting posture you should close and relax your eyes and mouth, unforced and natural. Practice the standing posture after you have perfected the sitting posture.