What is Qi Gong?
Fall Qi Gong classes start next week on Sept. 29, but what is it anyway?
By Dr. Tara Radsliff, L.Ac., DSOM – Nourishing Life Collective
I get this question a lot:
Tara, you’re always talking about Qi Gong, but what is it, really?
Qi Gong (pronounced “chee gung”) is a way to support your overall health and well-being using intentional movement, meditation, and breathing practices. In Chinese Medicine, health is defined as the free-flow of Qi (vital life energy) in our bodies. Pain and disease arise when Qi gets stuck or blocked. Qi Gong is a practice to unblock Qi so you can feel your best.
Qi Gong is a categorical term, and there are many different forms and ways to practice it.
I practice and teach the Jin Jing Gong tradition of Qi Gong. Here’s what a typical practice session is like:
Shaking: We start with 20 minutes of guided shaking: jumping loosely up and down at whatever intensity feels best for your body (even keeping your feet on the ground with small rhythmic movements). The shaking breaks up stagnation: stuck energy, stiff muscles and joints, and stuck thought and emotional patterns. I guide you through your bones and organs and weave in helpful aspects of Chinese Medicine.
Standing: Standing is a big part of Qi Gong. In “Universe Stance” your knees and hips are soft and your spine is upright, which opens space in your joints. Gravity pulls you down, something bigger lifts you up, and you feel connected to the Earth and the Universe. Because the shaking has already loosened things up, the stance helps Qi circulate through your whole body.
Slow, Intentional Movements: We move in sync with the breath. Each movement has its own direction: up or down, open or closed, expanding or contracting. These are the same patterns found throughout nature, and moving through them gives your body a chance to sync up with those larger cycles.
There are two main themes I carry throughout the classes:
Qi follows intention. Qi goes where your attention goes. When I guide you through a bone or a body part and you listen, your attention is focused there and the pathway is already forming. It doesn't matter how “right” you’re doing it, or how well you can feel your body. Showing up with the intention to practice is enough.
We bring the Qi, nature does the work. There is nothing for you to fix, and no right way for your body to be. Your only job is to bring the Qi, notice the sensations in your body, and when your mind wanders come back and notice again. You don’t need to figure out how to move your arm or place your feet in Universe Stance. Just by noticing, you bring the Qi, and your stance will gradually change, just like the seasons.
Every body is welcome. The whole class can be done seated on a stool. Tell me what your body needs and I'll adjust the cues.
Eager for more? I would love to see you in class!
To explore Qi Gong more deeply, read my other articles on this topic:
Dr. Tara Radsliff, L.Ac., DSOM