Gi gong is a traditional Chinese movement and meditation practice, that links the body with the breath, as you move through a series of slow and meditative movements. “Qi” means energy or life force, while “Gong” translates to cultivate or to master, Qi Gong is cultivating and harnessing your energy and inner life force. Much like Yin Yoga, Qi Gong works with the meridians in the body and helps to improve the flow of energy (Qi) throughout the body.

There are many different kinds of Qi Gong practiced around the world, but most commonly Qi Gong is a series of slow movements that work in sync with breath work and allow you to tap into different energy centres in your body through movement and sometimes touch like tapping or acupressure. 

HOW TO PRACTICE QI GONG

With so many different versions and an equal number of benefits to Qi Gong, it can be hard to work out where to start. If you are able to practice with a teacher that is great, but if not you can quite easily get started on your own. Try these simple exercises to start with: 

• Prepare the body by releasing the neck and shoulders. Relax and let your shoulder drop naturally away from the ears. Unclench your jaw and let your tongue relax in your mouth. 
• Loosen the elbows, knees and fingers, so that you’re just keeping a slight and natural bend in your joints.
• Allow the spine to feel tall and open, without feeling rigid or strained.
• Place your palms on your belly and take a couple of deep breaths feeling your lungs expand and contract with your breath.
• Now move into a Qi Gong practice like this one from The Self Care Space library. 

BENEFITS OF QI GONG

Qi Gong is an ancient practice and there are a number of studies and research done on the practice and its many health benefits. Some of the benefits of Qi Gong are:

• Reduces stress and anxiety
• Helps ease symptoms of depression 
• Boosts the immune system 
• Improves balance 
• Encourages mind and body connection

IF YOU ENJOYED THE QI GONG PRACTICE HERE ARE SOME OTHER RITUALS TO TRY NEXT TIME

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The Self Care Space is your online wellness hub for you to come and top up your self care. With 250+ on demand videos including yoga flows, pilates classes, yin yoga therapy classes, guided meditations, sound healing, breath work, self care rituals and more, any time you can come to the library, select your choice of self care and pad out some time in your day to look after yourself.

Whether you enjoy a 10 minute gentle stretch in the morning or a full yoga class in the evening, the library is your access to your daily wellbeing.

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