“Knowing others is intelligence; knowing yourself is true wisdom. Mastering others is strength; mastering yourself is true power” – Lao Tzu
Hello friends,
Self-mastery is about alignment. It means reconnecting the mind, heart, body and energy. It requires self-exploration, releasing inner conflict. All healing is the result of this type of coming home.
When you incorporate integration practices into your routine, you invest not only in alleviating discomfort, but also in unlocking new levels of ease, balance, and freedom in your life.
Below I’ve answered some of the most common questions I hear from you.
What is Qigong?
As a pillar of traditional Chinese medicine, Qigong combines movement, breath, and intention to release energy blockages and promote holistic healing. Through this practice, we cultivate mindfulness, enhance inner peace, and develop resilience against the stresses that accompany our pace-passed lifestyle.
There is a shared underlying philosophy with practices like Tai Chi and acupuncture, which heal by balancing yin and yang, restoring a natural state. Instead of needles, you use your own breath, focus, and movement to clear blockages and restore balance.
Qigong can be practised in a variety of ways—gentle movements, standing postures, seated meditation, or even lying down—making it adaptable for all fitness levels and physical conditions. Unlike high-intensity exercise, Qigong is about building energy rather than burning it, which is why it’s often described as a longevity practice. Read more here.
Why Do People Practice Qigong?
People turn to Qigong for different reasons, but here are some of the most common:
- Stress Relief & Mental Clarity
Qigong activates the parasympathetic nervous system (your “rest and digest” mode), reducing stress hormones like cortisol. Many practitioners experience a deep sense of calm, improved focus, and mental clarity.
- Pain Management & Healing
By improving circulation, reducing muscle tension, and promoting relaxation, Qigong is effective for chronic pain conditions like arthritis, fibromyalgia, and tension headaches. It’s often used as a complementary therapy in pain management programs.
- Increased Energy & Recovery
Rather than draining you, Qigong cultivates and circulates Qi throughout your body. Many practitioners report feeling more energized yet grounded, making it a perfect practice for those dealing with burnout or chronic fatigue.
- Emotional Balance & Resilience
Through controlled breathing and mindful movement, Qigong helps regulate emotions and release stored tension in the body. It’s often used as a tool for overcoming anxiety, grief, and emotional trauma.
- Improved Mobility & Physical Strength
Qigong’s slow, deliberate movements gently strengthen muscles, improve joint flexibility, and enhance coordination—making it excellent for injury recovery and aging gracefully.
- Deeper Mind-Body Connection
Unlike conventional exercise, Qigong fosters a profound awareness of your body’s energy and subtle cues. This mind-body connection can lead to greater self-awareness, improved intuition, and even spiritual insights.
What is the difference between Qigong and Tai Chi?
Qigong and Tai Chi both originate from ancient China and focus on cultivating energy (Qi), but they can serve different purposes and involve different methods.
Qigong is a broad practice that includes gentle movements, breathwork, and meditation for healing, relaxation, and energy cultivation. Technically there are three types of Qigong: martial, healing and spiritual.
Tai Chi, considered a form of martial Qigong, is a specific martial art that incorporates Qigong principles but is structured around fluid, choreographed movements (forms) designed for self-defense, balance, and internal strength. While Tai Chi can be seen as a moving meditation with martial roots, Qigong is more diverse and primarily focused on overall well-being.
Embarking on this journey requires commitment and openness . By integrating Qigong into your routine, you invest in a practice that not only alleviates discomfort but also unlocks new levels of ease, balance, and freedom in your life.
To support your journey, I’m inviting you to a new class. Join our Medical Qigong 4-week Series.
Coach Gabriel Shaw 
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