Qigong means energy work. It is an ancient Chinese practice that includes a set of exercises, massage techniques, and meditation that allow our minds to remain calm and clairvoyant while improving our fitness, well-being, and overall health. The sessions will be different depending on the season, the time of day and especially according to your needs. There are many Qigong schools depending on whether you want to improve your physical activities, improve your health or cultivate the spiritual side of Qigong.

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​​Impact of regular Qigong practice

1.     Cleansing of toxins and pathogens from the body and mind (diseases and pervasive emotions)

2.     Increased energy level (Qi)

3.     Prevention of stiffness and maintenance of muscle strength. Improved posture and breathing

4.     Clarity of mind, well-being, and relaxation

 

How does Qigong work?

Qigong is a set of movements and meditation associated with different breaths aimed at balancing the energies of the body, the Qi. During this process you will start by working in order on 3 fundamental elements: strengthening the body, improving breathing, and controlling our mind. Each element will be worked on and reinforced. So, if the body is stiff and weak, your posture will be poor and because of this, your breathing will not be optimal. You will not be serene, and you will remain preoccupied with pain creating tension affecting your movements and breathing. Qigong stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system to calm the body and mind.

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During individual treatments, the therapist will analyze your physical and mental state following the principles of traditional Chinese medicine. The person's health will be considered as a whole (physical and emotional). These treatments will include both cleansing and toning of the tissues and emotions.

Some protocols can be done with touch, massage, or without touching the patient. Consent to treatment will always be requested and at any time the patient may discontinue treatment.

These treatments vary in duration (1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes) and several sessions are normally recommended for optimal results.

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Courses

A group class for beginners is like an exercise class with warm-up, muscle strengthening, endurance, and stretching in all kinds of positions. A lot of emphasis will be placed on the flexibility and strength of the spine, on the transfer of weight from one leg to the other and on the flexibility of the hips.

Courses last between 1 hour and 1 hour 30 minutes depending on the institution.

In addition to warm-up, these sessions will include meditation, classic Qigong series and self-massage.

Dress code is simple; Soft pants that allow for wide leg movement, a light t-shirt or knit, and soft inner shoes or non-slip bottoms.

 

A meditation cushion can be useful if you don't want to stand for meditations. Most of the exercises are done standing up, but they can be modified to be done sitting.

The movements practiced will be modified and adapted according to your limitations and fitness level.

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Breathing is paramount in Qigong because it conveys energy, calms the mind and body.

Qigong uses diaphragmatic breathing. Breathing includes all facets of Qigong: purification, the storage of new energy in the different energy centers (organs and Dantians) and the circulation of this energy through the body. The breath will always be deep, calm and slow, never forced.

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What can you expect when practicing Qigong?

As a beginner, it is not uncommon to have certain unpleasant or unusual physical manifestations. These include tickling, shaking, nausea or heat. These manifestations will usually disappear with regular practice and are related to the unblocking of areas where energy is stagnant.

As you circulate energy through the body, you'll notice some symptoms:

1.      Warmth, especially at the tips of your fingers and feet

2.      Vibration or tingling

3.      A feeling of heaviness in the legs but a lightness of the upper body

4.      Feeling of serenity and great inner calm

 

Important Principles Related to Qigong

Qigong, like Chinese medicine, is based on Taoism and Buddhism.

The Tao is the origin of yin and its complement, yang, both of which are present in all things. This duality is found in our bodies, in our actions, and everywhere around us. There must always be a balance in all things, including in our bodies, otherwise there will be IQ blockage and the possibility of disease.

 

Certain areas of the body act as energy reservoirs: the 3 Dantians and the 5 yin organs.

Your health and vitality will be preserved if your reservoirs are filled with Qi (life energy) and if this energy travels freely through your body through the meridians (energy highways of your body).

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The 5 Elements

These are 5 stages of transformation that you will find in the body and everywhere in nature and in the universe. There is a cycle of creation and destruction between these 5 elements. These elements need to be in balance in our bodies to stay healthy. In the practice of Qigong, it is better to work all the organs, even if only one of them is diseased or weak, because the weakness of one of the organs affects the others.

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