An ancient art, qi gong is increasingly practiced in the West for its physical and mental health benefits. One of the 5 branches of traditional Chinese medicine, qi gong is ideal for a complete and gentle physical activity for all ages. What is qi gong, what are its benefits and how does a session work?

What is qi gong?

Qi gong is a discipline aimed at mastering the breath, or vital energy ("qi", pronounced "tchi", "gong" meaning work). Qi comprises 2 opposing currents of energy, yin (cold) and yang (hot), whose balance can be disturbed by internal dysfunctions and external causes. Ideally, qi gong should be practised to prevent illness and strengthen the immune system.

Together with Tai-chi-chuan (a martial art), it forms one of the 5 aspects of Chinese medicine. It is based on one of its principles: the circulation of breath along the body's meridians, to maintain energy balance and organ health. The practice consists of slow movements synchronized with abdominal breathing.

Qi gong trains concentration and reinforces body control through a variety of gestures, the maintenance of immobile postures, stretching and moments of visualization. The aim is to achieve physical and mental harmony.

There's no need to be physically fit to practice it. Qi gong is accessible to beginners of all ages, seniors, disabled people, children and adults.

QiGong Baduan Jin

QiGong Yi jing Jin

Buddha Dharma QiGong

Five Wudang Animals

Qigong 24 energies

Benefits of qi gong

Qi gong has a number of benefits for those wishing to keep fit and feel better. It soothes certain types of pain and helps combat serious illnesses:

it loosens muscles and joints and relieves tension: thanks to smooth movements and work around the body's axis, it teaches good posture. The emphasis is on stretching and amplitude of movement. It makes muscles more resistant through prolonged positions;

regulates hypertension: the rhythm of movement demands calm and concentration, aided by abdominal breathing. Blood vessels dilate, lowering blood pressure;

it improves digestion: our eating habits put our digestive system to the test (colon, intestine...). Qi gong unblocks this energy, stimulating digestion and intestinal transit;

it helps you through the menopause: hot flushes and other discomforts are difficult for many women. Qi gong helps hormonal regulation through special exercises;

relaxes the eyes: tired by the blue light of screens, certain exercises, self-massages and pressure on acupuncture points, or eye qi gong, relieve eye fatigue;

it combats stress: execution, movement repetition and appropriate breathing focus the practitioner's attention. Blood cortisol levels fall, and a state of relaxation sets in. The result is better quality sleep;

it enables better recovery from cancer: all these effects have now been demonstrated by scientific studies, and patients practicing qi gong are less tired and suffer fewer of the aggressive effects of anti-cancer treatments. Morale is also improved.