When I was 18, I had a serious car accident. My right arm was paralysed and I had spinal injuries. QiGong was one of the practices that helped me heal myself. So it has a very special place in my heart, and I love to share it.
What is QiGong?
QiGong is an ancient Chinese practice of slow, flowing movement, conscious breathing and meditation. “Qi” means life energy, and “gong” means cultivation or skill. So QiGong is the art of cultivating your life energy. The movements are gentle, but very powerful. They train mind and body to be in optimum condition, and help you come back to your true nature.
The three pillars
- Movement: soft, flowing movements that open the joints, strengthen the legs and core, and let the energy flow.
- Breath: slow, deep breathing in harmony with the movement.
- Mind: calm awareness, being completely present in each movement. It is meditation in motion.
Benefits of QiGong
People practise QiGong to reduce stress, calm the nervous system, sleep better, improve balance and flexibility, and have more energy during the day. Studies have looked at QiGong for things like stress, blood pressure and balance in older adults. But for me, the most beautiful part is the feeling of harmony between movement and stillness, of flowing with life.
Who is it for?
Everyone. Because the movements are slow and gentle, QiGong is suitable for all ages and fitness levels. You don’t need any equipment, and you can practise in your living room, in the garden or in a park.
A simple QiGong practice to start
- Energy stance: stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent, tailbone soft, crown of the head lifted. Breathe slowly for a minute and feel your feet rooted in the earth.
- Rising sun: breathe in and slowly raise your arms in front of you and up above your head. Breathe out and let them float down at your sides. Repeat 8 times.
- Smiling with the heart: place your hands on your heart, close your eyes and gently smile. Feel warmth spreading from the heart through the whole body.
Ten minutes in the morning is enough to start. Do it every day for a week and notice how your energy changes.
Continue your practice
If you want to learn QiGong step by step, my online QiGong course, Ocean of Energy, guides you through the movements, breathing and meditation, for beginners and advanced practitioners. All my courses are pay what you can, so everyone can learn these practices, whatever their situation.
May we all be blessed with peace, love and wisdom.
Michaël
