This is another post in my series of explaining qigong practices. Qi, Chi or Gi means air, energy or breath in Chinese and Korean. Gong or Kung means work. Qigong therefore translates to energy or breath work.

The human body is made up of bones, muscles, and organs amongst other components. Veins, arteries and capillaries carry blood and nutrients throughout to all of the systems and components. Additionally, 12 major energy meridians carry the body’s energy. “lifeforce” also known as “qi”. Ones qi is stored in the lower Dan Tien. Daily emotional imbalances accumulate tension and stress gradually affecting all of the body’s systems.Each discomfort, nuisance, irritation or grudge continues to tighten and squeeze the flow of the life force. This is where “dis-ease” claims its foothold.

Qigong breathing exercises can adjust the brainwaves to the Alpha state, where the mind is relaxed and the body chemistry changes and promotes natural healing. Relaxing of the deep skeletal muscles, and working outward as one tries to release tension accumulated within the muscles, organs and nerves. Whereas conventional physical exercise can deplete energy,Qi Gong helps to replenish your natural energy.

Our emotional state directly influences how we breathe. The emotions reveal themselves in the breathing patterns:

• Anger, fear, anxiety – shallow breaths
• Grief – spasmodic breathing
• Guilt – restricted breathing
• Boredom – shallow, lifeless breathing
• Sadness/depression – under breathing

Furthermore:

Dwelling in the past – can produce any of the above breathing patterns

Worrying about the future – can produce any of the above breathing patterns

Present in the moment – The goal here is clarity and self awareness to slow and regulate the breath

Becoming present in the moment can happen in various ways such as:
1) Immediate trauma – Fear of injury or loss of life can put one into the moment quickly.

2) Practice of mindful exercises such as meditation, yoga, tai chi, qigong and other similar mind and body interactive practices.

3) Engaging in activities such as singing, painting, performing music, dancing, etc.

Qigong exercise can change brainwaves to the Alpha state:

• Alpha – relaxed concentration, creative state
• Beta – attentive, alert
• Delta – unconscious
• Theta – drowsy state of mind

Benefits of Qigong exercises:

• Boosts the immune system
• Reduces stress, anxiety, depression, mood swings
• Lowers blood pressure
• Increases the body’s natural healing process
• Lungs increase their capacity
• Promotes better respiration and circulation
• Enhanced self-awareness
• Helps to change the body’s chemistry for the better

Qigong utilizes regulated breathing, which calms emotions, which modulates the autonomic nervous system. This engages the parasympathetic nervous system that manages blood chemistry and relative hormones and neurotransmitters.. Blood chemistry affect organ function either in a positive or negative manner.

Best Times:

• morning (calm, nature awakening)
• evenings (calm, tranquil)
• anytime (even a few minutes)

Best Locations to practice:

• outside and peaceful
• inside and uncluttered
• anywhere possible

Qigong practice is a solution to the current health care crisis, where we have seen a drastic increase in diabetes, obesity, depression, anxiety, stress, suicide and so many other mental and physically related health issues.

Would it not be wise to at least consider preventing these ailments in the first place rather than using questionable pharmaceuticals and therapies after the fact? Folks, the horse has been out of the barn for many decades now. If government leaders, medical professionals, school boards and parents were to actually promote and encourage physical exercise, good nutrition, meditation and self-responsibility we might have a much different looking nation. Plant good seeds, no?

I write often about topics that affect our health and well-being. Additionally, I teach and offer lecture about qigong, tai chi, baguazhang, and yoga. I also have hundreds of FREE education video classes, lectures and seminars available on my YouTube channel at:

https://www.youtube.com/c/MindandBodyExercises

Mind and Body Exercises on Google: https://posts.gle/aD47Qo

Jim Moltzan

407-234-0119

www.MindAndBodyExercises.com

www.Amazon.com/author/jimmoltzan