What is Qigong?
I am often asked what is Qigong? Qigong pronounced “Chi-gong”) is an integral part of traditional Chinese medicine, developed thousands of years ago in China. It involves utilising physical, mental and spiritual exercises to optimise the energies within the body. The ultimate goal is to improve and maintain body health and, together, well-being. This practice combines the psychological and physical components to help one regulate calm breathing, mind focus, body movement and posture.
The general methodology will use the following:
- Breathing is slow, long, and deep. Breath patterns may switch from abdominal breathing to breathing combined with speech sounds.
- Movements are typically gentle and smooth, aimed towards relaxation.
- Mind focus includes attention, intention, and visualisation.
This method focuses on body movements. Advanced Meditative techniques, which involve breath and mind exercises, can be practised sitting or standing.
Studies have shown that after a Qigong session, the energy flow through our body meridians can become stronger. Additionally, the balance between the parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems is significantly improved. The achieved autonomic balance has been proven to help increase longevity and quality of life.
Trish Harris is a Professional member of the US National Qigong Association. She has received their Level-2 accreditation for teaching and has been practising and teaching since 2010. She teaches her students techniques and believes that everyone can achieve positive benefits by using this wonderful technique. Trish maintains, “Everyone of us is born with the gift of healing. We only need to learn how we can shift our body energies through Qigong”
She further integrates Qigong into her personal Transformation Coaching program, focusing on self-healing. In 2018, Trish studied for a Master’s degree at the Shaolin Temple Kungfu Academy in China.