Qigong can be described as a mind-body-spirit practice that improves one’s mental and physical health by integrating posture, movement, breathing technique, and focused intent.
Physically, slow gentle Qigong movements warm tendons, ligaments, and muscles; tonifying vital organs and connective tissue; and promoting circulation of body fluids (blood, synovial fluid, lymphatic fluid). However, Qigong’s gentle movements do much more than stretch your ligaments and muscles; they work to harmonize your body. Certain movements help your Qi, or energy, move through the various meridians (energy pathways) in your body. When your Qi can flow freely through your body, you remain as Nature intended—healthy and balanced.
The first form of Tao Mae Qigong cultivates the practice of moving with the breath. The footwork moves in four directions symbolizing the balance of north, south, east and west, and the four seasons summer, autumn, winter, spring.
The hands are held a the Middle dan tien focusing our energy at the hearts centre with mindful breath. This heart focused breathing stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system and the relaxation response, and feelings of positive emotion influence our mind and body in a healthy way reducing the effects of stress.
The pushing hand, or Gum Sao, represents our gentle interaction with the world as we extend this heart focused intent outwards.
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