What is Qigong? Qigong is a moving, meditative practice that can be beneficial for maintaining and optimizing health. It involves using the breath, body, and awareness in ways that are calming and restorative. The word “qi,” pronounced “cheee,” means energy or life force. The word “gong,” pronounced exactly as you would expect, means “work” or “cultivation.” So qigong is the cultivation of life force energy. It has even been described as “moving prayer.” Qigong has been taught in China for over 4,000 years to enhance fitness, healing, and longevity.
What is Meditation? Meditation, like qigong, is an act of quieting the brain through the use of breath, body, and awareness. It involves becoming more present, more open, and more allowing. Meditation practitioners become attuned to what is and less concerned about what was or what will be. With an openness to “now” comes greater relaxation and satisfaction.