Chi-kung is an ancient Chinese practice believed to invigorate the body and bring well-being and wealth. It is one of many stress relief techniques and is based upon the belief in the existence of the universal energy that undergirds the cosmos, called “chi”.
A Chi-kung system consists of one or more of the following types of training:
- Dynamic Chi-Kung
Dynamic chi-kung can be easily recognised as a series of carefully-choreographed gestures or movements as a stress relief exercise that are designed to manipulate and promote the flow of chi within the practitioner’s body and requires a unity of body, mind and spirit. Chi-kung are also one of the many ways if coping with stress. Dynamic chi-kung brings about a build up of heat and Chi energy in the body by opening the energetic flow in the body by using fast paced, no-resistance movements.
- Static Chi-kung
Static Chi-kung is performed by holding a certain stance, position or posture for a period of time. The mental and physical effort required to keep the posture results in the appropriate manipulation of chi for the Chi-kung practitioner. There are some similarities between static chi-kung and yoga and both are excellent for meditation and stress.
Each type of training originated from different elements within Chinese society and emphasises different aspects of chi-kung theory. Meditation, Tai Chi, Yoga and many of the different chi-kung training methods are all excellent stress relief techniques.
If you have not done any of these types of stress relief exercises before, it is a good idea to start with an Instructor or to find a class near you. If you want a personal reference, please contact me and I will direct you to my personal contacts in London.