Qi Gong is a thousand-year-old Chinese discipline, literally meaning "energy mastery".

Through the practice of this gentle gymnastics, it is possible to reconcile body and mind, learning to capture and feel the energy that flows in us. Abstract? Perhaps, but Qi Gong relies on this principle of Eastern culture that man, nourished by the earth and connected to the breath of the universe, is energy.

Reconnect body and mind

Qi Gong therefore seeks, through the practice of very slow movements, to reconnect the body, the flow of energy that circulates, and the spirit, to achieve harmony.

In China, a proverb repeats that it is essential to "take care of one's physical envelope so that the soul wants to live in it".

Qi Gong contributes, through postures, massages, breathing exercises, by circulating the energy in the body, along the meridians.

According to traditional Chinese medicine, this activation of vital energy would positively stimulate organs and ensure better health at all levels.

Simple sports discipline or true art of living, Qi Gong has many secrets.

Qi Gong or the art of breathing

In observing the combat of animals, the Chinese have deduced that flexibility always triumphed over strength.

Thus, the Qi Gong (pronounced "Tchi Kong") tries to soften the body, to eliminate stiffness and other tensions and allow the Qi (energy) to circulate better.

The goal is to restore the initial balance of the human being, composed of three elements: the Jing (the essence, the genetic inheritance), the Qi (the energy) and the Shen (the spirit). Thus, life expectancy is prolonged.

The practice of Qi Gong involves the repetition of varied movements, very slow and very wide, by combining these exercises with a respiratory work that allows, focusing on the initiation of each organ requested, the circulation of flows.

Thus, the mind achieves full awareness of the work of the body and the flow of Qi in the body. It is also nicknamed the Qi Gong "energetic training", because, more than the body, it is it, the energy, that one comes to stimulate.

To accompany the various postures and sequences, one uses the natural abdominal breathing, without ever exaggerating it.

It must be regular, smoothly. So listening to his feelings, the body starts to work in synergy with the thought and we chase the negative emotions, we will get rid of stress , including through this breath.

A practice that promotes mindfulness

The regular practice of Qi Gong allows to learn to perceive its vital energy. This involves very different movements, usually very slow and sequences of movements.

Qi Gong also induces immobile postures, stretches, undulations. These exercises are coupled with breathing exercises or continuous recitation of meaningless sounds, to focus on your movement and to become aware of the forces at work in your body.

Qi Gong also requires great mental attention, as well as visualization and meditation skills.

If most of the movements are practiced standing, one can also practice lying down. To feel the benefits, the teachers agree that it would take a daily practice of Qi Gong, for about twenty minutes a day.

Relaxation, flexibility, memory, sleep ... Multiple benefits

More than a sports discipline, Qi Gong is a way of life and is a part of everyday life.

We think differently and we learn to act in full consciousness. Qi Gong has many benefits, it has a preventive role, by improving flexibility, providing relaxation and relaxation, it allows better stress management, to find a good psychosomatic balance, more vitality.

It also helps to sleep better, to work memory and prevent certain diseases.

Qi Gong is also recommended for people with cardiovascular problems , hypertension, insomnia , diabetes and asthma.

Qi Gong also leads to a feeling of self-esteem, which involves sporting development and personal development.

Thus, one learns to moderate one's emotions, to manage one's stress and one stimulates the intellect, the imagination, the creativity, while developing calm, serenity and let go. All this happening, of course, by the awareness of the energy, the Qi, circulating in the body according to the movements caused by the body.

How to get into Qi Gong?

If there are many textbooks to learn about Qi Gong, it is advisable to get closer to a specialized teacher, who will adapt the exercises and movements to your mind and your physique.

Very popular in the United States, Qi Gong knows a strong development in France, where more and more federations are created, offering lessons and courses to launch with confidence.

To find a course or an internship - most offer test sessions, take a tour on the sites of federations, such as the FEQGAE (Union Pro Qi Gong), the Federation of Chinese Energy and Martial Arts (FAEMC) or still the Union of traditional Qi Gong and Taijiquan teachers France-Belgium (UEQGTTFB).

These sites list the courses and internships available near you. Test several courses to find the one that puts you at ease.

And do not forget, in Qi Gong, there is no notion of success, just take the time to reconnect with yourself.