What Is Qigong?

Qigong, pronounced "chee-gong," has an ever growing following, with millions embracing its principles around the globe. It is a traditional Chinese practice that combines physical exercises, breathing techniques and meditation to improve health and to balance the body’s energy. 

The term “Qi Gong” roughly translates as “energy cultivation” and focusses on harmonizing and balancing the “qi” (vital energy) through slow, controlled movements, rhythmic breathing, and mental concentration. The practice of Qigong is used both for maintaining health and wellbeing and as part of treatments in Chinese medicine.

Although an ancient health art, which has been practiced for at least 300 years, the term Qigong only came about in the 1950s. Some Qigong exercises are over 1000 years old and some are more recent and drawn from traditional Tai Chi Forms. 

Sometimes known as the 'art of effortless power,' Qigong mimics the fluid movements and rhythms of nature and is the concept of achieving more with less effort. Regular practice leads to decreased stress levels and a revitalized energy that permeates everyday life. 

There are 5 main traditions of Qigong and hundreds of different styles practiced world wide. Medical Qigong emphasises the free flow and balance of qi within the body to help treat illness, and maintain good physical health. Our Be Well Qigong sessions are based upon Shibashi style of Qigong, which comes from the Medical Qigong tradition. 

"Shibashi" means eighteen in Chinese and is a wonderful set of 18 Qigong movements, designed in the late 1970s by renowned Qigong Master, Professor Lin Hou-Sheng, to be practised as a complete set and as a form of physical exercise.  It is a gentle, beautiful and flowing Qigong routine that is a joy to do and can be deeply relaxing.  

The original set is often practiced using large movements at a steady pace, sometimes swinging from one movement to the next, and is often seen practiced this way in online videos and in groups in public spaces.  

Doing these larger movements, without strain or injury, may not be achievable for everyone, which is why our Be Well Qigong routine has its roots in Shibashi, but with modifications to enable it to be enjoyed and practiced by people of varied fitness and ability.