According to oriental medicine the body, mind and emotions are all connected by their energy, called Qi (chi) and pronounced "chee". Qi is often translated as "energy" or "vital energy", and in it's wider sense is the force behind all change and the constant flow of life. The Qi specific to our form flows around the body through a series of channels and is integral to the systems of the body. It's flow can be disturbed by a number of factors: dietary and lifestyle, environmental, emotional, hereditary, as well as by infections and trauma. The aim of Acupuncture is to restore the smooth flow of Qi and stimulate the body's own healthy response and natural balance. When Qi is deficient or blocked we begin to manifest a lack of vitality or minor transient symptoms, which can develop into more severe or serious symptoms and physical or mental health problems.
Thus acupuncture can address underlying imbalances as well as the more specific symptoms of pain or ill health. The acupuncturist can often identify and treat subtle changes before the imbalance has manifested in outward symptoms. In this way it can be used as a preventative medicine, as well as after the disease process has started to produce pain or other symptoms.
In addition to acupuncture, and indeed herbal medicine, there are several ways we can benefit our Qi and help ourselves to a healthier life. Chinese Medicine has always understood that the way we live has a great influence over our state of emotional and physical health. It incorporates much useful advice about how to look after our bodies and minds through healthy eating, efficient breathing and appropriate exercise.
Qi Gong is a type of meditative movement exercise originating in ancient China, that promotes the flow of Qi through the body and mind. It can be translated as "energy work" because Gong means work, and Qi describes the energy that flows through everything - "vital energy".
There are many styles of Qi Gong. In her classes Liz emphasises basic principles and teaches movements, breathing techniques, static postures, special walking forms, and meditations which have beneficial short and long term effects on our whole system. The movements and postures are generally simple, each with specific actions, and some, taking their inspiration from animals and nature, can look quite beautiful. Sometimes the movements follow energy channels in the body and sometimes they orient around internal organs or parts of the body. The aim is to strengthen and improve the flow of Qi through the mind and body. Regular practice can create an increased sense of balance and of being "centred", along with better all-round health and vitality and greater physical and mental resources to cope with life. You often feel light and exhilarated after Qi Gong practice.
Qi Gong itself is not a belief system, and can be practiced by people of all cultures and beliefs. However it is associated with Taoist philosophy and the forms and principles of Qi Gong reflect the balance of life. Qi Gong exercises can be prescribed by some practitioners of Chinese Medicine for specific conditions and much of the theory behind Qi Gong is common to Chinese Medicine.
Liz started learning Qi Gong 20 years ago, initially through attending Tai Chi classes. She was impressed by the power that such simple movements and forms, practised on a regular basis, can have. Since then she has continued to practice various forms and styles as part of her own development and to support her practice of acupuncture. In 2006 she successfully completed The College of Chi Kung two year part-time teacher training programme. The College's approach acknowledges and integrates common aspects of Qi Gong and its traditional roots with a Western understanding of the body, mind and energy.
