Qigong Class
Wednesdays 5-6pm
Join us for our weekly Qigong class in the clinic garden with Dr. Özben!
Practice with others seeking more inner strength, better balance, and greater flexibility!
In this class we will do gentle qigong stretches and movements to revitalize the whole body and spirit, followed by qigong breathing exercises for calm and relaxation.
Strengthen the mind-body connection, find more ease and flow in daily life.
No experience necessary. The class will be outside in the clinic garden so please wear comfortable layers and sun protection as needed. If it’s cold or rainy we’ll do the class in our meditation room.
Wednesdays 5-6pm with Özben
$25 Drop-in or $20 for a 5-Class Pass
please contact us directly at info@felekacupuncture.com or 510-545-2896 to purchase a 5-class pass
What is Qigong?
Qigong (pronounced "chee-gong") is a traditional Chinese practice that involves the integration of movement, breath control, and meditation to cultivate and balance the body's vital energy, known as "qi" (or "chi"). The term "qigong" is derived from two Chinese words: qi, meaning life force or vital energy, and gong, meaning work or practice.
Qigong can be performed through various forms, which include gentle exercises, breathing techniques, and meditation practices. It's often used to promote physical health, mental clarity, emotional balance, and spiritual development. There are many styles of qigong, some focusing on healing, others on martial arts, and some on spiritual growth.
The practice is said to help improve circulation, reduce stress, enhance flexibility, and support overall wellness. Many people use qigong for relaxation, to increase energy, and to help with managing chronic conditions or pain.
-
Qigong offers a variety of physical, mental, and emotional benefits. Regular practice can positively impact both short-term well-being and long-term health. Some of the key benefits include:
Physical Benefits:
Improved Flexibility and Balance: The slow, deliberate movements of qigong help stretch muscles and improve joint mobility, contributing to better balance and overall physical coordination.
Enhanced Circulation: Qigong promotes better blood flow and oxygen delivery to tissues, which can support heart health and general vitality.
Increased Energy and Vitality (Qi): By cultivating and balancing the body's vital energy, qigong can lead to higher levels of energy, reducing feelings of fatigue or sluggishness.
Boosted Immune System: Some studies suggest that qigong may help strengthen the immune system, making it easier for the body to fight off illness.
Pain Reduction: Qigong can be helpful in reducing chronic pain, including conditions like arthritis, back pain, and fibromyalgia, through its gentle movements and relaxation techniques.
Better Posture: The practice encourages awareness of body alignment and balance, which can improve posture over time.
Detoxification: Qigong can support the body's natural detoxification processes by promoting circulation and lymphatic flow.
Improved Digestion: The relaxation and energy flow can help support digestive health by reducing stress, which is often a contributor to digestive issues.
Chronic Disease Management: It can be a complementary therapy for managing chronic conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, or heart disease by improving circulation, reducing stress, and enhancing overall health.
Longevity: Qigong is often associated with promoting longevity by maintaining health, vitality, and energy well into older age.
Mental Benefits:
Stress Reduction: The calming effect of deep breathing, meditation, and gentle movements helps activate the parasympathetic nervous system, leading to lower stress levels and a sense of calm.
Improved Focus and Mental Clarity: Qigong enhances mindfulness and concentration, helping to clear mental fog and improve cognitive function.
Enhanced Emotional Well-being: The practice can support emotional balance, helping to reduce anxiety, depression, and mood swings by promoting a sense of inner peace and self-awareness.
Emotional and Spiritual Benefits:
Increased Mind-Body Connection: Qigong fosters greater awareness of the body, breath, and energy flow, promoting a deeper mind-body connection that can lead to spiritual growth and self-healing.
Improved Sleep: The calming effects of qigong can help improve sleep quality by reducing anxiety and promoting relaxation before bed.
Emotional Healing: Many people use qigong to release stored emotional tension or trauma, promoting emotional resilience and overall psychological well-being.
Inner Peace: In addition to its physical and mental benefits, qigong can help deepen your spiritual practice, fostering a sense of connectedness and inner peace.
-
Chronic Pain and Arthritis
Back Pain
Stress and Anxiety
Depression
Emotional Imbalance and Mood Disorders
Balance issues
Cognitive Decline and Memory Issues
-
Qigong is generally considered a safe and gentle practice for most people, especially when performed with proper guidance and technique. However, like any physical activity, it may have some side effects or potential risks, especially if not practiced correctly or if done too intensely. Here are some potential side effects to be aware of:
You may experience some muscle soreness or stiffness as your body adapts to the new movements and stretches.
For people with existing joint issues, such as arthritis, certain movements in qigong could lead to discomfort if performed incorrectly. It's important to practice with mindful attention to joint alignment.
Qigong can sometimes bring up emotions that have been suppressed or not fully processed. This can lead to temporary emotional discomfort or heightened emotions, such as sadness, frustration, or even anger. This is a natural part of the healing process, but it's important to be aware of these emotional shifts.
While qigong is designed to be gentle, it’s still possible to push yourself too hard, especially if you’re trying to do too much too quickly. Overexertion can lead to fatigue, lightheadedness, or even dizziness. If you're feeling overly tired or dizzy, it's important to stop and rest.