Qigong is a powerful mind-body practice that has been used for centuries to promote health and well-being. While physical movements and exercises are an important part of Qigong, the practice also places a strong emphasis on the power of the mind. In fact, mindset is a key component of Qigong that can help to enhance the effectiveness of the practice and promote greater physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.This article explores the power of the mind in Qigong and how mindset ...  read more

The much anticipated Year of the Water Rabbit has finally arrived. We can all breathe deeply in the knowledge that the Rabbit is a symbol of longevity, peace and prosperity. More importantly, 2023 is predicted to be a year of hope for all.The Rabbit is the fourth animal in the Chinese Zodiac cycle. According to the fable of the animals, the Jade Emperor’s Great Race saw them all having to race across a wide river to vie for a position ...  read more

“The search for meaning is not always about the answer. It is the process of seeking that also enlightens.” – Demerzel in “Foundation – The Television Series” based on the books by Isaac AsimovFor most people, their Tai Chi or Qigong journey commences because of a desire to improve their physical and/or mental health. At this stage they know little more other than the raft of health benefits, or they saw an ad for classes and thought it might be ...  read more

Qigong has its origins amidst the creation of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Taoist thought and philosophy. Most will have heard mention of Yin Yang in relation to our Qigong and Taijiquan, and if not, at least in relation to the Chinese culture.The Yin Yang dates back more than 500 BCE in ancient China, but a lesser-known concept, which had its origin around this time, was the Five Elements, now referred to as The Five Elements Theory. Yin Yang Theory is ...  read more

As a healthcare practitioner for over 26 years, I am well placed to observe clients/patients breathing patterns. One thing has become obvious over that time and it is the fact that most people now seem to have a baseline of chronic stress that has become normalized. I observe this in their; demeanour, muscle tension, speed of speech, symptoms reported and most importantly, by how rapid and shallow their breathing has become. This breathing pattern has become their set point i.e., ...  read more

In your first class at JinLi-Wushu Tai Chi you will hear the word “Qigong”. A brief explanation usually follows. The word “Qigong” has two parts to it; firstly ‘Qi’ which is briefly described as vital energy or sometimes life force (and the topic of our discussion); secondly the word ‘gong’ meaning work, skill, labour, cultivation, or effort. So loosely translated, Qigong means energy work/skill. More specifically Qigong (pronounced “chee-gung” and sometimes spelt ‘chi-kung’), is translated from Chinese to mean “Energy ...  read more

Many people come to class and ask the question, “What is the difference between Taijiquan (Tai Chi) and Qigong?” This usually after first asking, what is ‘quee gong’ (qigong)? And the former is a great question.Many schools, like ours, teach Qigong as an integral part of Taijiquan training. Both are body-mind-breath exercises. Both involve gentle movement, good posture and integrating the breath with movements. But only one has a martial arts application. Both practices cultivate gentle and present mind focus. ...  read more

Can’t Sleep? You aren’t alone. Research by the Sleep Health Foundation, “Asleep on the Job: Counting the cost of poor sleep”, 2017 highlights that poor sleep is affecting 39% of Australian adults that are regularly struggling with their sleep. The 2017 study found that the number of sleep problems among Australians are 5-10% higher than when the Foundation published its first survey on sleep health in 2010. Sleep disorders contribute to diseases and injuries such as heart disease, obesity, diabetes, ...  read more

Want to feel like a beginner again? Go and train in China.   Remember that night back when you started your Taiji journey? For most of us it happens somewhere around the fourth lesson. You finish a class feeling like it’s all too much, you’re legs are aching, and a little voice in the back of your head is saying “maybe this isn’t for you”, but you push on because you are going to crack this thing, no matter how ...  read more

Many people question the need for an International Duan Wei (Grading) System for Health Qigong. “Isn’t Health Qigong about the physical and mental health of its practitioners?” they ask. The Chinese Health Qigong Association would most definitely agree that the whole focus of Health Qigong is on wellness, but who is teaching it and are they suitably trained to teach to an internationally recognised standard? The Chinese Health Qigong Association (CHQA) was initiated with the support and endorsement of the ...  read more