Complete Works Massage Blog

If you have ever seen a group of people here or abroad in a park waving their arms around in a slow fashion, then you know what Qigong looks like.  The Chinese swear by it as part of their health care alongside acupuncture.  In China, it is quite common to see a group of about 200 practising together, about half over 60 and the rest all ages.  In this way, it breaks down barriers between different age groups - something the West could probably benefit from.  It also teaches the art of moderation - the 70% rule which means less energy is used for each movement unlike the "no pain, no gain" attitude in the West! 

The Benefits

1. Loosens Muscles and Builds Muscle Power:  Unlike aerobics and vigorous stretching which build muscle strength and flexibility, gigong builds effortless power and looseness.  In gigong, the goal is allow the muscles to open up as opposed to straining them.
2. Strengthens the Organs:   such as the heart and the lungs through slow, deep regular breathing and energy movement.
3. Improves circulation:  by working on the elasticity of the blood vessels so helps those with high or low blood pressure
4. Helps prevent injury to joints, ligaments and bones:  People tend to lock their joints when falls or accidents happen which makes the injury worse.  Ligaments can be easily overstretched and getting them to bounce back is hard.  Through better balance, gigong teaches you to turn correctly without straining your joints
5. Speeds up recovery time from injury and operations:  by increasing the circulation , improving the immune system, and helping the body and mind to relax which is key when you feel tense
6. Eases sress and balances the emotions
7. Benefits sedentary lifestyles:  by helping with concentration and enabling a sitting posture to be more comfortable

I thoroughly recommend it for relaxation, concentration and tension!