Qigong Institute

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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Last Revised 03/11/04

[Q1] I have recently become aware of Qigong & Taiji and feel that this practice is just what I need now.  I would like to learn about the different styles and what would be best for me.  I am seeking mind, body, spirit connection as well as physical healing, deep inner peace, finding Qi and using it, increased strength and abilities, and deep, deep relaxation.   Do you have any recommendations for me?

[A1] If possible, I would first find a competent Qigong instructor with whom you can discuss your objectives. For some possibilities, please visit the Teachers' Registry of the Qigong Institute [QI] (www.qigonginstitute.org) and that of the National Qigong Association [NQA] (www.nqa.org).

Read books on the subject: authors whom you might want to search for (i.e. Amazon) including Kenneth Cohen, Francesco Garripoli, and Roger Jahnke. These authors (as well as the instructors in the Teachers’ Registry also have videos available and they give seminars and retreats. Attend Qigong conferences. The NQA sponsors such conferences as does the East West Academy of Healing Arts.

[Q] I hurt my back a few years ago and am the primary care giver for a child who cannot take care of himself. I don’t drink alcohol or smoke. My doctor suggests that I’m stressed and could use some relaxation techniques. Do you have any instructional tapes or classes in my area?

See [A1] above. Also, understand that Qigong is something that you can be doing throughout your day to get the most benefit. How do you do this? It’s as simple as making three adjustments: adjust your posture, adjust your breath, and adjust your mind. A good time to do this is waiting at a traffic light or standing in line. You can be doing Qigong all the time. It then becomes an integrated part of your life instead of a “practice” that you have to set aside time to “do.”  The minutes that you remember to do this during the day add up.

Adjusting your posture involves a few easy steps: pretend that your head is suspended by a string, like a marionette, so that your spine is straight; tilt your pelvic bowl slightly forward so that the “fruit” (your internal organs) does not spill out; pull your shoulders back and down; feet are shoulder-width apart; eyes looking forward; and the chin is slightly tucked. The posture adjustment is the easiest to do and remember. It can provide an enormous benefit when your body energy is allowed to flow unobstructed by, for example, slumped shoulders or a sunken chest.

Slow, deep relaxed breathing, where your abdomen fills up first and then your chest when you inhale, constitutes adjusting your breathing. Try to remember to do this type of breathing whenever you can. You may figure out ways to remind yourself to do this, like at every red light or stop sign. You can also remember to do it every time you do the dishes, etc.

There are many different names for “adjusting your breathing,”, like stress reduction breathing, meditation, and mindfulness meditation. Clearing your mind. Etc. The three adjustments get you into the Qigong state where relaxation and healing occur. – main three benefits, and any qigong can get you there.