Chinese kung fu fans

According to Taoism, the health of our body and mind is dependent upon a clear, strong and balanced flow of qi through the meridian system. Since qigong practice accomplishes just this, it should come as no surprise that the benefits of qigong practice extend to every physical system of our bodies, as well as to the mental, emotional and spiritual aspects of our Being.

Qigong practice makes the body strong and supple. It improves balance, stamina and flexibility. It has positive effects on the cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, endocrine, immune and central nervous systems. It tends to create smooth skin, and a pleasant feeling of deep warmth within the body. It increases sexual vitality, and allows our sleep-time to be more deep and restorative. Over time, qigong practice can reduce or eliminate chronic pain. It also has the power to reverse the aging process, and restore youthfulness.

The smooth and balanced flow of qi created by qigong practice shows itself as a joyful, relaxed, optimistic and energized state of mind. While the emotional energies of anger, fear, anxiety or grief still may arise, they will be much less “sticky” – and be held and then dissolved within the larger field of joy, gratitude, acceptance and equanimity.

The abundance of clarified energy and mental stillness generated by qigong practice supports great mental clarity, and nourishes both intuition and creativity. As our intelligence becomes rooted in a connection to the inner body, it widens and deepens in increasingly wonderful ways.

As we deepen in our qigong practice, our spiritual channels – such as the third-eye – gradually open. We become aware of more subtle realms of Being, and begin to experience, directly, our interconnectedness with All-That-Is.

The best way to begin to reap these many benefits of qigong practice is, of course, to begin to practice! Which of the many available forms you choose will depend upon your individual circumstances: your personal preferences, what’s best for your physical condition, and the availability of teachers near to where you live.