One of the best things about Qi Gong 18 Style is the simplicity of the movements.
One of the best things about Qi Gong 18 Style is the simplicity of the movements. Anyone can follow along without the intensive training required in other martial arts. Taiji, which is similar, can take years to learn. The same goes for self-defense arts like Kung Fu, Teakwood, Judo, and Karate.
Some people might dismiss Qi Gong as too simple, but the movements become complex when you focus. As they say, one movement becomes a thousand movements. For example, simple lifting hands can be done half-heartedly, or with intention. Thus, the whole form is new every time.
I do the Qi Gong 18 Style ritual in the morning to start my day, and attend the classes Tommy and Julia McDonnell lead. During the summer months when the days are longer, we can see the beautiful lake and pool area from the community clubhouse when we practice. The full set takes twenty minutes, and the positive energy fills up the room. At times we have had people with injuries who sit in a chair for part or all of the ritual. They
Breathing unites mind and body to function as one.
Breathing unites mind and body to function as one, and breath leads to being in the present moment. Qi Gong 18 Style includes breathing. It took me years to get the breathing part, but it’s simple: breathe in while lifting up or in; breathe out while releasing down, or out. In life, it’s up to every individual to remember to breathe, but the ritual instills the feeling of healthy breathing into the body’s memory.
The future of health care is regular exercise, healthy diet, and detoxification.
The future of health care is regular exercise, healthy diet, and detoxification. With prevention, we can avoid the surgery and pharmaceuticals the medical establishment sells. Some people have problems that go beyond a simple solution, like injuries, degenerative, or auto-immune diseases. However, for generally healthy people seeking natural health, exercise is one of the top priorities.
People can benefit from practicing once a week, but the benefits multiply with more frequent practice. I have found Qi Gong is the perfect complement to the chiropractic and massage therapy care I’ve had for treating mild scoliosis. Qi Gong has taught my muscles how to stretch, and be more flexible.
Besides matters of posture and spinal health, I’ve experienced mental and emotional benefits. Over the seven years I’ve been practicing, I’ve noticed my memory has improved, and my moods are easier to change. If I feel anxious about things, doing Qi Gong will calm my nerves. If I feel depressed, the movement and breathing always lift me up.
Another thing I like about the classes is that either Tommy or Julia can lead the class, but whoever is leading, we all face East, toward the lake. They hold occasional workshops for people who want to improve their form, but they don’t give instruction in the weekly class. The ritual is simply a moment of peace in otherwise hectic times. I recommend any type of stretching exercise, especially Qi Gong. It’s more gentle than yoga, and like yoga, it provides a spiritual mind-body workout and promotes overall good health.
– Nori Muster is an artist living in Arizona, and supports natural healing as the future of health care. Find more about Nori at norimuster.com.
