Pictured here are some of my beautiful Youthful Hearts class members, Stephany, Diane, Mary, Maura and Carmel, practicing Qigong, a powerful system of healing and energy medicine from China. Qi means energy and Gong means skill. Qigong (also spelled Chi-Kung) is the art and science of using rhythmic breathing techniques, gentle, slow repetition of movement and and a calm mindful state to circulate life energy, or Qi, throughout the body's energy pathways called meridians. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, it is thought that if the flow of Qi is blocked or unbalanced at any point on a pathway, we may become ill. When the Qi flows freely in a balanced fashion, health is restored, and disease prevented.

Qigong is the oldest and most popular healing art on the planet--practiced by over 100 million people. The documented history of Qigong goes back approximately 2,500 years. However, Chinese archaeologists and historians have found references to Qigong-like techniques at least 5,000 years old. You may find it interesting to know that Taiji Quan (Tai Chi) is a style of qigong. Like Tai Chi, the slow gentle movements of most Qigong forms can be practiced by all age groups, and easily adapted for the physically challenged. 

For me, Qigong is a beautifully flowing movement meditation that cultivates an increased sense of well being, calmness, mental alertness and inner/outer balance. After a Qigong session I usually feel warm, joyful and relaxed all over, as well as energized like a low battery being charged with electrical power! Qigong not only reduces stress, it also stimulates blood circulation and strengthens all the systems and organs of the body.The health benefits of Qigong have been studied extensively. Western scientific research confirms that Qigong reduces hypertension and the incidence of falling in older populations.