How to Practice Qigong Meditation
For centuries, Chinese practitioners have used Qigong and Qigong meditation to treat disease and improve health and fitness. Pronounced "chee-gong," Qigong is an ancient practice that incorporates physical movement, breathing techniques and meditation. It's used to strengthen the body, build endurance, quiet the mind, reduce stress and promote relaxation. It's an integral part of an overall health and wellness plan and is commonly used to treat and manage bowel problems, migraines, diabetes and other conditions that can be worsened by stress. Follow these steps to learn how to practice Qigong meditation.
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Things You'll Need
- Location where you can be free from distraction in a quiet, peaceful setting
- Comfortable clothes that will not restrict your movements
Instructions
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Find a quiet place free from all distractions.
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Assume a comfortable position.
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Close your eyes.
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Visualize your breathing. See it coming in and out of your body.
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Imagine each breath as a healing breath.
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Picture your lungs filling with healing energy with every inhale. Imagine purging your body of toxins, stress and negative energy with every exhale.
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Relax your jaw. Notice anywhere else you may be carrying tension and relax that part of your body.
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Feel your body's natural flow of energy. Feel how each breath contributes to it.
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Think about your body's vital organs and concentrate on directing your own healing energy toward them.
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Forget about what happened at work today and what you have planned for tonight. You want your mind free from distraction and intuitively focused on your own well being and healing abilities.
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Use Qigong movements to enhance your meditation and vice versa. Be strong where and when you need to be strong and loose and relaxed where and when you need to purge tension.
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Learn more about the practice of Qigong from Ken Cohen's audio cassette "The Practice of Qigong: Meditation and Healing" (see Resources below).
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Tips & Warnings
Incorporate Qigong meditation as part of a program designed to reduce stress.
Qigong meditation can be an inexpensive and convenient way to reduce blood pressure by managing stress levels versus expensive prescription drugs. The materials needed to practice Qigong, such as comfortable clothing, cost little.
High blood pressure can be a symptom of other serious conditions that may need treatment. Let your doctor know that you're using meditation or other self-care techniques to lower blood pressure.
Always discontinue any Qigong activity if you feel dizziness or severe pain and seek medical attention right away.
Before you start any alternative medical technique, be aware that many have not been scientifically evaluated. Often, only limited information is available about their safety and effectiveness. Each state and each discipline has its own rules about how alternative medicine practitioners can be professionally licensed. If you decide to visit one, choose one licensed by a recognized national organization. Consult your primary health care provider about your decision first. Keep your doctor informed about the alternative medical technique you undertake.
