Qigong translates as ‘Breath Work’.  (Taiqi (Tai Chi) is a type of moving qigong.)  Here we are practicing qigong for health. As such it is a set of traditional movements and practices directed at improving our physical and mental well-being.

In these practices we have three (3) treasures:

• Body
• Energy (qi)
• Mind or consciousness

We strive for a calm mind in a healthy body. Much of this is determined by the flow of energy and fluids through our internal organs. We may not have big biceps but we aim to move through life gracefully with effortless digestion and elimination.  Qigong provides this with directed movements that focus on strengthening all three treasures simultaneously during practice.

Movement –> Body

Breath –> Energy

Eyes –> Mind

• Physical Movement strengthens and balances the body.
• Breath moves fluids, calms the nerves, oxygenates the body, and removes wastes.
• Our outer eyes Movement

Physical movement develops:

• ‘stacking the bones’ properly.
• stretching and twisting to assist transporting fluids through the body.
  • Oxygen and nutrients are taken to the cells.
  • Waste products are carried away to the liver, kidneys, and lungs.
• Passive systems, such as the glymphatic system, was fluids over the organs, including the brain.
• Holding position strengthens the leg muscles and the ankles.

Breathing develops:

• Expanding lung capacity
• Hacking the vagus nerve to calm the mind.
• Increasing mental focus by coordinating the breath with the movements.

Eyes and visualization develops:

• Mental ability to quick focus and to maintain focus.
• Helps practice directed thought which helps can control over the noise in our minds.
• Builds body and mental awareness giving more control over ourselves and interactions with our internal and external environment.

Qigong/Taiqi practice is not simple exercise, but a system of forms developed over centuries of observation and contemplation to simultaneously develop all aspect of the three treasures.