Summer Qi Chats | Week 6
Why does Qigong ‘work’?
This week we dive into the ‘magic’ of Qigong and learn how this brain-driven practice can save your life.
Intention - Breath - Movement
The three pillars of Qigong are as follows: Yi, Da Qi, movement. Yi Nian is your intention and internal focus. We could view this as interoception as well as intentional movement as we measure ‘how do I feel?’ and ‘what am I sensing in my body?’. When we train the internal flow of Qi we connect to our heart, body and breath. Which leads us to Da Qi, our lungs involvement with Qi. When we breathe, we direct Lung Qi (Da Qi) downward so our kidneys can grasp and hold. We can use our breath as a driver in our movement as well as an intentional practice towards ‘proper breathing’. Last but not least, we dive into the movement of Qigong. Our minds focus on the proprioception of the intended action, ‘where are I moving?’ and ‘how do I make myself move with control?’ The three combined brings us closer towards enhancing our Qigong practice.
Work the Qi
More or less, the translation of Qigong means to ‘work’ [gong] the Qi. This intentional practice of movement (breath and intention) is to guide Qi through the body for self-healing, self-cultivation and support for other forms of movement. We need Qi to flow if we intent to hike without pain, enjoy an afternoon of pickle ball (what a delightful sport!) or any other activity. Think of Qigong as your foundational work FOR better movement.
Neuro-Qi Tip o’the day!
Just do Qigong
Come back to posting (week 5 ‘homework’)
Practice the 3 treasures to come into the body to help with Qigong: Jing - Qi - Shen movement patterns (as is displayed in this week’s video!)
*Video posts every Friday by 11:30am MDT
