I can't pronounce this...what is Qigong?

Qigong (pronounced chee gong) is a gentle form of exercise which promotes health, healing and relaxation. Qigong combines movement, meditation, breath and visualization to balance the body’s internal energy, which is called Qi.

Qigong is a part of Chinese medicine.  It is similar to Tai Chi. I like to say they are different branches of the same tree.

I became interested in Qigong in 2002 and it was a big part of my studies at the Oregon College of Oriental Medicine, where I was a Qigong teaching assistant. For the past eight years, I taught weekly classes at a retirement community in Portland, Oregon.  I do plan on starting Qigong classes here in Newark soon.

I always tell my students, nothing is fast in Qigong. The first time you experience it, you will be thinking, “Oh my gosh, can she not go a little faster?!” This is okay. Today’s world is mostly go, go, go and instant gratification. Qigong is quite the opposite. It is slow and gentle. It meets you where you’re at. It will give you the opportunity to slow down and relax. Remember, nothing is fast in Qigong.

---