In life, one thing leads to another. Our Chiropractor mentioned that they would be doing the local Health Fair and invited us to join them to display our DVD of Qi Gong 18 Style for Health & Longevity. That was a fun day and we met a lot of great people, even encountered some of our former students. One of the attendees was the Director of Prestige Assisted Living Center. She asked if we could come and do a presentation for the residents. Of course we agreed and the date was set.

The initial introduction to Qi Gong was well attended, and there was interest from the residents to learn more.  Classes were scheduled.

What a joy it is to work with people in their 70‘s, 80‘s and even 90‘s who are willing to learn something new, stretch themselves both mentally and physically and participate. After the first class, which was also well attended, the students were excited and decided among themselves to use the DVD to practice several times per week until the next class.

That was two weeks ago. Today we went back for the second class. We were greeted by an enthusiastic group ready for another lesson. All were amazed at how difficult it was to breath, especially inhaling and expanding the belly. They each played “full out” and all felt they had improved themselves in some way with this 20 minute ritual.

Each month we publish the “Qi Gong 18 Style Newsletter”.

You can receive the Newsletter on your email every month and keep up on our thoughts, observations and training tips for the practice of Qi Gong 18 Style. To sign up is simple. Go to http://www/qigong18style.com and fill in the “Sign up for Newsletter” box. You have our Promise that your email will not be shared and we will not spam you.

Sign up today, that way you will not miss the next edition.

Qigong and the Art of Slowing Down

Many of the health problems that we face in the west may be attributed to lifestyle choices. We are far too often filling our days with work and leave little time for reflection, meditation, or generally slowing down. Many eastern philosophies have long valued the art of slowing down. Americans would be wise to take note of the health benefits both physical and mental that come from this art.

There are many different ways that one can effectively slow down in Eastern philosophy. Tai Chi is very well known as a practice that emphasizes slow movements with the body as well as a meditative element. Slightly less known, but still very popular is the Chinese meditative practice called Qigong. This is an internal discipline that uses slow graceful movements (and sometimes breathing techniques) to promote the circulation of “qi” or “life force” in the human body. It is thought to enhance the practitioner’s overall health. Although it is often confused with Tai Chi or martial arts, it is actually very popular. There are 200 million people that practice Qigong and it has over 10,000 different styles.

The art of Qigong offers many different benefits. The most popular reasons that practitioners begin practicing are to gain strength or improve health, to gain skill working with qi to become a healer, and to become more connected with “Tao” or God for a more meaningful connection with nature and the universe.

The root word “Qi” in Qigong means “air” in Chinese. “Gong” means discipline or skill. The combination of the two suggests that the meaning could therefore be breath or energy skill.

Many claim that Qigong provides incredible benefits to health through stress reduction and exercise. Others take it further to suggest that a metaphysical effect results from qigong, allowing the practitioner to feel vibrations or electrical currents through “meridians” in the body. Many claim it has a powerful effect in pain reduction or elimination.

While uncertainty persists regarding some of the spiritual aspects of qigong, it is undoubtedly a great way to relieve stress and to slow down. It increases mental health and the strength of joints while allowing the practitioner a chance to focus on breathing. Proper breathing is one of the best ways to promote health and well being.

Qigong can help practitioners to learn diaphragmatic breathing, which can be very helpful in combating stress. It is also a great way to improve muscle tone because it focuses on slow movements and postures that build lean muscle. While there is still uncertainty about its scientific effect on the human body, it is widely regarded as an excellent way to stretch and warm-up to the day. It is very often practiced in large groups so it can be particularly socially conducive as well.

Qigong promotes lean muscle growth so it is best to fuel the body with plenty of lean protein. Whey protein is an excellent source to assist any practitioner of qigong because it contains 90% protein and is a byproduct of dairy so it is very easy to digest. Take a minute to slow down and you’ll be surprised by how much better you feel inside and out.

Traditional Chinese Medicine is viewed in the Western World as being Acupuncture. This is what has been experienced and promoted by most of the Acupuncturists, who are not Chinese Medical Doctors, only practitioners of Acupuncture. They provide a service and bring an increased awareness of “Alternative Medicine” which is needed.

The Chinese Medical Practitioners use Acupuncture as a part of the prescription in the journey to regain health. They rely more on Herbal Treatments and the practice of Qi Gong to establish a regiment of health and wellbeing for their patients.

Consider the number of people who live in China which is10 times the population of the USA! And think of how many practitioners it would take to administer to them. A doctor’s time is limited, so the treatment regiment is typically an Herbal Formula and a prescribed form of Qi Gong. This allows the patient to take control of their own recovery and allows the Doctor to treat many additional patients.

Qi Gong works, don’t let the simplicity of the form deceive you.