Taiji Qigong (or Chi Kung)
Most people have heard of 'Tai Chi' - the graceful, flowing form of Chinese exercise. Taiji Qigong (or sometimes Tai Chi Chi Kung) is a simplified form of repetitive movements which is easy to learn, very gentle and from which the energy benefits are quickly felt.
'Qi' means energy and 'Gong' means work or exercise, so 'Qigong' is an 'internal work-out' with our own energy field or vital force, bringing strength, balance and well-being to body and mind.
It is ideal for people who have had or have cancer, because of its gentleness. It combines well with orthodox medical treatments and other therapies, and it is a good discipline to maintain well-being. Many exercises, using the arms and upper body, can be done from a sitting position by anyone who finds standing a problem. Taiji Qigong has an ability to stimulate self-healing on a holistic level.
The following are some of the benefits which Cherry Lodge members have found:
- Relaxation of mind and body
- Increased energy
- More controlled breathing
- Able to sense internal energy
- A feeling of balance
- Harmony and well-being
- Less anxious or worried
- More able to cope
- Doing something for oneself
- A great way to start the week
Meditation and Taiji Qigong
There are many forms of meditation, most of which involve correct posture, breathing and concentration. One way to better understand meditation is to see it as a 'mental' exercise, leading to a total 'letting go' of mind and body. When the body is relaxed, the mind can focus, leading to a calm and yet alert state of mind.
With a relaxed physical body and a focused mind, a person can take a 'break' from anxieties and worries, and at the same time tune into the subtle self-healing energies which become active during deep relaxation.
At Cherry Lodge we use the ideal combination of a 'moving meditation', the Taiji Qigong, exercising the internal energy, followed by sitting quietly, with gentle, easy breathing and 'feeling' or 'observing' the energy flow within the body.
The routine of the session
We meet at Cherry Lodge every Monday morning between 11:00 and 12:30 with no appointment necessary. Beginners soon learn the easy movements and can work alongside more experienced members from the start. There is no course of lessons; each session follows the same routine and is run as a drop-in.
We start with a few warm-ups, followed by guided practice of the 18 movements of the 'Taiji Qigong'. We then sit in meditation, following the energy flow mentally for a few minutes.
We then repeat the Qigong movements with suitable musical backing, often the harmonious choir singing the 'Buddhist Chant', followed by a longer session of guided meditation and self-healing visualisation.
We end with grounding refreshments and a friendly chat.
A video tape is available on loan from the library if you would like to learn more about Taiji Qigong.
