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Included in those practices were exercises made up of postures, breathwork, and intention setting.
After a day of labor, field workers would perform gentle movements to help ease tension in their bodies.
They settled on the movements by observing the nearby animals and imitating their motions.
Take constipation, for example.
If theres too much yin, it becomes stagnant and cant move forward.
Its kind of like quicksand you take a step forward, and it slides back, Shannon says.
(This is one view of constipation from TCM.
Types of Qigong
There are likely thousands of qigong styles.
However, each style has three components: breath, movement, and intention.
Within that, there are different ways that qigong can be used for ones benefit, Bouguyon says.
Here are a few notable ways that starting a qigong practice may help improve your health and wellness overall.
There may also be risks to relying on videos for qigong instruction.
Still, online classes may help supplement your in-person practice, Bouguyon notes.
Here are a few tips for beginning your practice.
If youre simply looking for general health benefits, aim for wellness-focused classes in your area.
Intrigued by the spiritual side of qigong?
Opt for classes that advertise a spiritual practice.
Observe any sensations and changes you experience throughout the practice and be prepared to ask questions.
Basically, it gives students a point of focus for the class, he says.
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Other qigong instructors and classes may have their own approach.
When done for general health and well-being, the effects of qigong are, for many, immediately noticeable.
After class, I would say the majority of students feel relaxed but energized, Bouguyon says.
This mellow but uplifted state is generally due to qigongs focus on the breath.
However, benefits also may increase with repetition.
Generally, the more acute the condition, the quicker the results.
The more chronic the condition, the longer it may take to see results, Sweeney says.
The Takeaway
Qigong is an ancient Chinese practice and foundational component of traditional Chinese medicine.
It combines breathwork, movement, and intention to promote overall health and well-being.
To start, reach out to a qualified practitioner for guidance on proper techniques and safety.
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