Qi Gong: An Ancient and Perfect Form of Exercise

I first studied various forms of Asian bodywork at the Acupressure Institute in Berkeley. A core part of our training was Tai Chi/Qi Gong exercises, which were developed in China over thousands of years as medical treatment. After studying and practicing different forms of exercise, I believe Qi Gong offers the most well rounded exercise and is particularly helpful for those who are injured or ill. The purpose according to Traditional Chinese Medicine is to build your Qi or energy and unblock blockages of meridian flows that include acupuncture and acupressure points. I frequently recommend my clients take up Qi Gong as an adjunct therapy.

From a Western perspective, Qi Gong can have the following effects:

• It gently loosens and warms up joints and muscles and you are very unlikely to get injured.
• It dynamically stretches like flow yoga, except in spirals, which is actually more beneficial to the muscles than stretching at angles  because many muscles fibers are oriented in spirals not in straight lines.
  
• It increases your energy rather than feeling tired at the end.
• It is a very calming forming of moving meditation, which activates positive hormones and neurotransmitters, and is practiced in many buddhist communities. The slower you do the exercises, the greater this effect.
  
• It increases whole body circulation.
• It stimulates lymphatic activity, especially the jumping moves.
• It increases balance, core strength and mobility and has proven in medical studies to reduce falls in seniors.
• Many Qi Gong masters have lived to be over 100 years of age and in very mobile condition.
• If you sit too much, a short set of Qi Gong exercises a few times a day will mitigate the effects of sitting. I frequently do it at stops on long drives for this reason.

In honor of my beloved master teacher, Brian O'Dea, I posted his instruction of some forms of Qi Gong/Tai Chi exercises if you would like to practice at home. I am happy to say Brian is alive and well, practicing and teaching in Berkeley, CA.