Qigong Exercise

I have been practicing qigong (sometimes spelled chi kung, pronounced chee–gong) since 2002. It is a health practice related to tai chi. I find the practice to be both relaxing and energizing. Practitioners find that the quiet, meditative aspects of the practice are refreshing to mind, body, and spirit.

There are many types of qigong, some more complicated than others, some energetic, some quiet. None is better than others. Kenneth Cohen, in his book, The Way of Qigong, refers to the varieties of qigong as many tributaries of one great river. The “tributary” I practice derives from the lessons of my teacher, Jody Curley, now of Madison, Wisconsin.

As I prepare to lead qigong exercises at an adult day center for those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, I have been exploring several of the tributaries of the great river qigong. One practice that is similar to my own can be found in the video below. It demonstrates an energetic qigong exercise session, but many of its movements are similar to the slower, meditative movements I practice.

The video lasts approximately 47 minutes, and if you follow along, you will find yourself energized and refreshed.