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. This “work” or exercises are also referred to as Chi Kung and Gi Gong.
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 medians carry the body’s energy. “life force” 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, working outward. Release of tension accumulated within the muscles, organs and nerves. Whereas conventional physical exercise can deplete energy, Qigong 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.
Jim Moltzan has been teaching Qigong, Tai Chi, Taoist Yoga, martial arts and various other alternative methods of fitness for over 35 years. He also offers classes on Mondays & Fridays at the Winter Park Presbyterian Church. He is also available for Group or Private lessons and lectures/seminars.
Contact at www.MindAndBodyExercises.com or call 407-234-0119.
United Martial Arts Association 