In response to a very good questions from one of our students asking WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF CHI KUNG, WHAT AM I SUPPOSED TO BE FEELING?

In the beginning, concentrate on the overall correct performance of the exercise. Later begin to focus on your hands. Keep the movements slow, relaxed and smooth. Don’t try to ‘force’ anything just, let your mind be as still as you can so that your body can tell you what is going on. That is not a copout, if I tell you what you should be feeling your imagination will take over. You will then miss out on all of the sensations that will happen and you can tell us about. Each student is different, you will experience different sensations as your chi builds and begins to move over the weeks and months. Some of the first signs will be tingling (like pins and needles, but not uncomfortable!) heat or coldness even. Relax as much as you can, using just enough muscle strength to hold your body in position and to move your arms.

The whole point of Qigong is to build up your energy and boost your immune system. Qigong practise will also give you more energy on a daily basis. You will find that Qigong gives you a clearer mind with regular practise. Your legs muscles will also benefit, purely for the load bearing you will be doing during the exercises. You might find that certain exercises give more sensations from one exercise to another. Everyone usually you ends up with favourites but, do all 8 as they will balance and benefit your whole system.

In traditional Qigong we talk about The Three Regulations, which are;

1) Regulate the mind – by actively focusing on the exercise and nothing else if possible.

2) Regulate the body – by performing the exercise as perfectly as possible.

3) Regulate the breath – your breathing should not be forced just timed to the exercises.

Enjoy the sensations and let us know how you get on, Sifu