Adopt the universal posture
Good posture allows healthy Qi to flow. In all Qigong techniques, whether standing, moving or meditating, the principals of alignment and posture are paramount.
Principles of Qigong posture
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Spine should feel open and long.
- Shoulders relaxed or sunk down, not slouched or pulled back.
- Elbows, knees, and fingers slightly bent not locked.
- Feet flat on the ground, toes and heels parallel and shoulder-width apart.
- Chest easy and open, resting, not puffed up nor depressed.
- Abdomen and solar plexus free of tension
All Qigong techniques are based on the horse stance
- Relax whole body.
- Relax and open joints.
- Empty the neck and let energy reach the crown.
- Suspend the head, as if connected to heaven.
- Allow tongue to touch the roof of the mouth
- Gently tuck the chin in to slightly straighten the back of the neck.
- Sink the shoulders, drop the elbows.
- Straighten spine and keep back erect. This is the electrical highway to and from the brain.
- Gently tuck pelvis in.
- Relax the hips.
- Use intent and mindfulness – do not force.
- Sink Qi to Dan Tien.
Affirmation you can use to maintain your mind and body awareness:
“My joints are open, and my shoulders are relaxed and my spine is straight and lengthening”
Qigong cultivates a powerful and unique form of relaxation: dynamic meditation.
Benefits
Correct posture with daily Qigong practice:
- decreases blockages of energy
- improves stamina
- reduces susceptibility to injury
- increases energy
- gives ageless spine
- lasting radiant heath
- brings inner peace and well being
- allows comfortable ageing
- reduces stress
- regulates the mind, so there is an increased awareness of state of pure consciousness
- allows peak personal performance
- improves your quality of life.
“In stillness be like the pine
In movement be like the clouds and water.”
To learn Qigong register for the next full-day Qigong course.