What is Qi Gong?
Qi Gong is one of the branches of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that involves the manipulation of the Qi, or vital energy, to improve physical and mental health. Qi Gong comes from the word "Qi", which means the energy that makes up everything in the universe, and "Gong" that means cultivation.
This ancient Chinese practice of holistic healing is based on the concept that working with one's Qi promotes wellness and longevity. It keeps the mind and body in sync, allowing the person to experience the present moment which is vital to the healthy flow of their Qi. Qi Gong involves meditation, body posture, breathing techniques and mindful movements.
What Are the Benefits of Qi Gong?
Scientific studies on Qi Gong show that the five animal exercises within this healing system, otherwise known as Wu Qin Xi, are beneficial to middle-aged women with osteoarthritis for they strengthen the bones in the vertebrae. Apart from this, Qi Gong is effective in improving the nervous system, which leads to a host of benefits, including:
- Lowered risk for heart disease
- Reduced stress and anxiety
- Decreased blood pressure
- Reversed cognitive problems like memory loss
- Better concentration
- Stronger immune system
- Reduced pain
- Improved blood circulation
- Better quality of sleep
Besides your body and energy, you don't need anything else to be able to receive the benefits of Qi Gong. You don't even have to leave your house to work with a trained expert in this practice because you can easily connect with one through the Zoom videoconferencing tool.
A Qi Gong session delivered online works in the same manner as the traditional face-to-face setting, except that the former allows you to work with your energy at your own pace and time. It will be easier for you to bring your mind and body into harmony when you're relaxed, comfortable and focused, which are things you couldn't easily find in a crowded park.
How Does Online Qi Gong Work?
Since Qi Gong is an energy-based holistic practice, it has to be carried out in a quiet environment that's free of distractions. Although more commonly practised outdoors to allow the mind and body to tune into nature and gather energy from the environment, it may also be done in a quiet room with the windows open if you don't have a garden or backyard.
The success of your online Qi Gong session depends as much on your communication equipment as it does on your ambience. You will need a computer or laptop, a webcam, a good internet connection and the Zoom app installed on your device. Once you have all of these set up, you can book an appointment with your preferred practitioner at your most convenient time.
What Can You Expect From Online Qi Gong?
Your mind plays a crucial role in the movement of your energy. If it wanders or gets distracted, you won't be able to enjoy the benefits of a Qi Gong workout. So, stay focused from the time you log in to Zoom with your therapist up to the last sequence of the movements.
In terms of clothing, you want to wear something comfortable for ease of movement throughout the session. A typical session usually runs for 20 minutes, but it may last for an hour or two depending on your agreement with the practitioner. Practising Qi Gong every day is highly recommended to achieve optimal results.
After performing the exercises, you can ask the practitioner any questions, or other ways to maintain your Qi, which they will be more than happy to answer. This undivided attention is, in fact, the real advantage of attending Qi Gong online.
