Qi Gong
 |
Qi Gong, also spelt Chi Gung, is the foundation material for learning the deeper healing, martial and meditative internal art of Ba Gua. Qi Gong aims to first stabilise and subsequently enhance a persons health and vitality. This brings about physical relaxation and mental clarity. The emphasis is not muscular strength but on developing and balancing internal structure, circulation and energy. It can be practised by people of all ages, body types and abilities. |
1. correct posture
Maintaining a correct posture in movement will start to inter-connect your body and develop the concept of ‘one part moves all parts move’. Your body becomes toned as the natural elasticity of your body returns. In addition the arm and leg joints open and the process of revitalising the internal organs occurs. Movement will become more efficient, joints become more aligned, the bodily fluids flow more evenly throughout the body.
2. relaxing and releasing held nervous tension
This is achieved by applying yourself to just 70% of your potential creating a stable foundation. Your mind does not push your body beyond its current potential. As a consequence you prevent the development of any stress cycle. This in turn softens, relaxes and opens the body.
3. enhancing the conscious breath
By gaining control and developing the spring-like nature of the diaphragm, breathing becomes a form of internal massage with changes in pressure gradually aiding the process of opening up your body.
By becoming aware of your breath during stressful periods in life, breathing can become a tool for overcoming and ultimately preventing the damaging side effects of stress.
If one of these is unstable, the other two will be affected. As all three become more stable, you become more sensitive to:
4. your chi development.
Developing correct posture, releasing the nervous system and using breathing techniques, will allow safe energetic development to occur. Chi will flow in a smooth and balanced way throughout the body. Physical movement is for dance and athletics, a combination of physical movement and chi is Qi Gong.
'Peter Jenkins is a sincere and dedicated teacher. He practises what he preaches - demonstrating in his own practice a commitment to the core principles of detailed, integrated work. Although I have practised qigong for many years, I found immense benefit from the teaching and Peter's corrections of my stance and movement. This kind of detailed correction can only come from someone who has a deep experience of strong, integrated body work. I particularly valued the wrapping, the proper use of the shoulder blades, the lengthening of the kwa and the connecting of the sacrum to the legs and feet. Peter is ever ready to demonstrate the right way to do things, allowing his students to feel on his own body, the way the movements should be made and the connections formed.''
Peter Deadman - Editor Journal of Chinese Medicine.