As with the acupuncture technique that uses needles, the Qi Gong (also known as Chi Kung) acts through movement, breathing and visualizations on the meridians of the body, through which, according to the Orientals, energy circulates.
In addition to attending to physical health and mental health, spiritual health It must be cared for in the same way, although on many occasions we do not pay enough attention to it.
Qi Gong and its methodology propose a series of exercises that create a balance between the three areas of life, which are linked to each other in order to achieve total serenity.
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“Is a ancient discipline of Taoist origin that aims at the well-being of the person through breathing exercises”, summarizes Valérie Lamotte, teacher of this Chinese energetic gymnastics.
“The objective is strengthen the immune systemstimulate muscle and bone strengthening, improve balance, prevent diseases and find inner calm”, added the specialist.
Qi Gong is used in numerous Chinese hospitals for its therapeutic efficacy and because its exercises are easy to follow and incorporate into everyday life to prevent illnesses and even treat them.
Qi Gong is an art that originated in China.
According to Chinese tradition, the human body is made up of energy channels that run through our body and are intertwined with the entrails-organs. Therefore, through proper breathing and specific movements, his technique distributes the energy in our body in a balanced way, strengthening it in all aspects.
“Chinese medicine has four fundamental tools: acupuncture, tuina, herbal medicine and Qi Gong. The latter is based on a slow movement of the body coordinated with breathing and that requires a high degree of concentration”, he points out. Jean-Luc Riehm, Sports teacher and Qi Gong trainer.
With movements apparently similar to those of Tai Chi, the Qi Gong o Chi Kung combine in their practices:
- static exercises (immobile positions).
- dynamic exercises (body movement).
“But, the most important thing is that you face this practice with a physical and mental attitude relaxed and perform the movements thinking of your own breathingwhich must be abdominal, soft and synchronized with the gesture”, points out the expert.
Qi Gong improves vascular function
While most forms of Western exercise increase circulation by exercising the heart, Qi Gong improves circulation by increase elasticity of the blood vessels. In fact, in China, Qi Gong exercises are prescribed for high and low blood pressure, both of which are due to problems with vascular elasticity and strength.
Unlike other forms of exercise, Qi Gong works with the muscles very differently. While aerobics focuses on building strength and flexibility, Qi Gong is more of a form of internal exercise which aims to build power effortlessly and loosens up the muscles.
The typical western exercise does not take into account the flow of chi (energy), an aspect that Qi Gong predominantly focuses on. In Qi Gong, the feeling of muscular strength is considered inappropriate. The goal is a feeling of relaxed power that comes when the muscles, instead of fighting and straining to do something, simply loosen up and allow energy to flow through them.
