What Exactly Is Qigong and Why You Should Be Doing It

Have you been searching for a way to stay balanced and grounded throughout the stressors of daily life, especially during the ever-changing landscape of peri-menopause and menopause? Look no further. Discover the ancient art of Qigong, and learn how a daily practice has changed my life. This simple daily practice can help women take control of their emotional and physical well-being without drugs, expensive gym memberships or therapy sessions!

What Is Qigong?

Qigong, pronounced ‘chee-gong’, is an ancient Chinese form of mind-body exercise that integrates movement, breath, and mindfulness. The practice focuses on cultivating and balancing the body’s vital energy, also known as “qi” or “chi.” While the roots of Qigong date back over 5,000 years, it continues to gain popularity in Western culture due to its numerous benefits, including improved health, stress reduction, and increased mindfulness.

Emotional Benefits of Qigong

Qigong has been lauded for its countless emotional benefits, which include:

1. Stress reduction: Qigong’s slow, gentle movements facilitate relaxation, helping to regulate the stressors of everyday life. Dr. Roger Jahnke, a Qigong expert, explains, “In Qigong practice, we suspend activity and the reactivity of the thinking mind, while engaging the feeling-processing mind.”
2. Enhanced mindfulness: Qigong allows practitioners to cultivate mindfulness by focusing on breath and movement simultaneously, ultimately bringing the mind and body into harmony.
3. Decreased anxiety and depression: Research has shown that Qigong’s meditative aspects can help to alleviate anxiety and depression, leading to a more balanced emotional state.

Physical Benefits of Qigong

Qigong offers numerous physical benefits that contribute to overall well-being:

1. Improved flexibility: Qigong’s gentle, flowing movements increase flexibility in muscles and joints, reducing the likelihood of injury and improving mobility.
2. Enhanced immune system: Studies have shown that Qigong practice has a positive impact on immune function, increasing the body’s ability to fight off illness and disease.
3. Better balance: Qigong helps to strengthen core muscles and improve balance, reducing the risk of falls and promoting overall stability.

How Qigong Benefits Women in Peri-Menopause and Menopause

Qigong has been found to be particularly beneficial for women going through peri-menopause and menopause. According to Dr. Nan Lu, a Qigong expert in women’s health, the practice can help alleviate common symptoms like hot flashes, mood swings, and fatigue. Additionally, Qigong’s meditative focus can help women navigate through the emotional upheavals often encountered during this transitional phase in their lives.

Why Qigong Should Be a Life-Long Practice

Qigong promotes mental, emotional, and physical harmony, making it an ideal lifelong practice. By committing to Qigong, you can maintain health and well-being as you age gracefully. It’s never too late to start. The more you practice, the deeper the benefits become.

Want to learn more?

If you are ready to try something new and take the first step toward a healthier, more balanced life check out one of my favorite easy-to-follow Qigong exercises on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3GtFp6sz5zM&pp=ygUGcWlnb25n