It is becoming more democratic in France, and for good reason: qi gong is a body-mind gymnastics that provides many benefits to these practitioners in addition to being accessible to all. Anti-stress, digestion, hypertension, sleep… Discover the many health benefits of this branch of traditional Chinese medicine.
Qi gong regulates emotions and strengthens vitality
Stress, overwork, difficulty concentrating, lack of self-confidence, sleeping troubles… Qi gong helps to take a step back from one’s emotions, to find peace. It includes the rebalancing of yin (feminine, cold) and yang (masculine, hot) energies, rooting exercises (tree position, etc.), self-massages, visualizations… The Chinese place the consciousness in the “dan tian”, the center of energy located under the navel. It is linked to our “second brain”, the nervous system of the intestine, which plays an important role in the regulation of neuromediators (dopamine, serotonin…) acting on mood. After a session, we feel less fatigue, we find vitality and joie de vivre (your our video: Qi gong the invigorating breath).
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Qigong sharpens vision
In Chinese energetics, the eyes are connected to the liver. Through movements of opening and regularization of this organ, eye massage and visualizations, the liver meridian is stimulated. The eyes are less tired and the vision is stronger.
It improves digestion
“We have too many things to digest, both literally (food) and figuratively (information, emotions)”, believes Dominique Casaÿs. Digestive problems are often linked to fatigue in the stomach, spleen and liver, which eventually block the diaphragm. By circulating the stagnant energy, the belly relaxes and transit improves. Read also 4 anti-stress breathing exercises
It softens and relieves the joints
Work on rooting in the ground, verticality between earth and sky, relaxation of the pelvis and shoulders, opening of the chest and the plexus… Qigong helps to be more aware of one’s posture. It loosens the joints and strengthens the muscles. This decreases back and joint pain, improves balance and reduces the risk of fall in the elderly.
Qigong regulates hypertension
Several Chinese studies have shown that regular practice helps regulatehypertension and the anxieties manifesting in the chest. relaxation due to the postures and the slow and deep breathing stimulates the parasympathetic system, dilates the blood vessels and calms the game”, specifies Dr. Bernard Lamy. Of course, it is not a question of stopping his antihypertensive treatment, but qi gong is a good complement.
It is an ally to better live the menopause
Certain exercises, specifically intended for women, are useful in sensitive periods such as menopause. They aim to mobilize the pelvis and its organs, and to regulate the endocrine (hormonal) system. “The blood and energy that stagnates in the pelvis circulates again, which gives more fluidity. In case of hot flashes, we correct the excess of yang and the lack of yin by appropriate exercises, often combined with herbal medicine“, explains Dominique Casaÿs.
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Qigong boosts immune defenses
“People practicing regularly have less colds, respiratory infections,allergies, says Dr. Lamy. Their body adapts better to destabilizing situations and inflammation.” This could be the case in patients with chronic autoimmune diseases. At the University Hospital of Limoges, a 6-month pilot study with 40 patients suffering from lupus is in progress, to show how the practice of qi gong can improve their biological parameters and their quality of life.
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It prepares for childbirth
Some midwives offer courses for pregnant women, based on breathing, postures facilitating labor and delivery as well as relaxation. “It allowed me to be more in tune with my body and my baby, and relieve the anguish of childbirth, says Sophie.
And helps recover after cancer
According to Chinese medicine, the Cancer is the manifestation of an energy imbalance with external (toxins, environment, etc.) and internal (overwork, rumination) causes. Qigong can help prevent these disorders. And to better support the effects of treatments. The League Against Cancer offers qi gong classes to people who are following a chemo or a radiotherapy. Profits : fewer side effects (fatigue, joint pain, dry mouth, digestive disorders), more vitality, breathing capacity. And increased morale!
How to get started?
- Take 1 hour of lessons per week (or more…) to start.
- Practice if possible 10 to 15 minutes every day, preferably in the morning before breakfast.
- Repeat each exercise three, six, or ideally nine times.
- At the office, in a park, and even in the car, take a break to practice.
More informations
For further
To master the basics of qi gong and train with the DVD.
“Enter the practice of qi gong”, Ke Wen, ed. The Book Courier, €23.90.
Many well illustrated exercises and a DVD.
“Discovering qi gong”, Yves Réquéna, ed. Guy Trédaniel, €24.90.
Where to practice
France Qigong network.
300 associations and professionals trained by the Temps du corps school. Phone. : (00 33)1 48 01 68 28.
Union Pro Qigong FEQGAE.
Nearly 700 teachers.
Phone. : (00 33)4 42 93 34 31.
French Sports Federation for all, to find a lesson.
Phone. : (00?33)1 41 67 50 70.
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Chinese medicine: Qi gong, health gymnastics
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