2020 has been quite a year. During this uncertain time, it’s totally normal to feel fear, anger, shock, and sadness, but for health reasons, it is greatly important to acknowledge those feelings and then try to move forward. Two major causes of death and disease are negative emotions and diet, both of which influence the body differently, but ultimately interact.
So how can one push through the negativity? One way is through the five-thousand-year-old Chinese exercise system, Qigong.
What is Qigong (chee-gung)?
Qigong teaches ways to harness the life force energy that permeates through all things. It allows one to improve and balance their physical, mental/emotional, and spiritual health in order to prolong the quality of life and it is especially helpful when “times get tough,” like what we’ve been experiencing throughout this pandemic.
“Qi” refers to the life force energy that exists in all things, material and non-material. Everything you see or don’t see is an expression of Qi.
“Gong” is the art and practice of tapping into this life force energy, which is a learned skill. With a little guidance, every one of us has the potential to harness our Qi in order to benefit our life and the lives of those around us.
Taking Control Of Our Health
Health is an expression of the smooth flow of life-giving Qi throughout the body. When the flow of Qi is blocked or stagnant, or when there is too much or too little, diseases can manifest.
Based on observations made by physicians over thousands of years, we know that different internal organs store different negative emotions. When these emotions are bottled up or expressed inappropriately, the proper function of the related organs are disrupted, causing chronic pain, disease, and sometimes fatal health problems.
That’s not to say that all “negative emotions” are bad. Emotions are like a barometer. For example, anger is a good emotion if it inspires you to do something creative, fight for the underdog, get yourself out of a bad situation, and/or create positive change in the world.
Qigong offers us a connection to our feelings and an awareness of how to release the toxic emotions and thoughts that aren’t benefitting us.
How To Practice Qigong
Qigong is a method for maintaining your vital life force. It is not based on belief, meaning, you do not have to believe in it for it to work.
Don’t let this time of isolation deter you. Live on-line classes can be a lot of fun. Especially now, interaction with others, even on screen, can feel far more beneficial than watching a recording. The energy is different when people from all over the world move in unison. Even if you’re not in the same room, the feeling is powerful and magnetic.
Try It!
Chris shared his 30 day to better health series with us! Check it out and be present, mindful, reduce stress and boost your immunity.
Chris Shelton
Certified Qigong Practitioner and Author
Known as the Hollywood Healer, Chris has worked with Special Olympics teams, professional athletes, celebrities and couch potatoes all looking for deeper meaning and better health. He and his wife founded The Qi Club, a new membership website offering live QiGong, Tai Chi and Yoga classes that help to unlock the door to living a pain free life.
