Improve Physical Mobility Using Qi Gong
When your body is strong and flexible, it’s easier to be active and self-reliant. However, many people encounter significant physical limitations at some point in their lives, especially as they grow older and move less. Chinese medicine and Qi Gong offer great insights you can use to improve your physical mobility. Here are three principles that have been used for thousands of years to help practitioners cultivate long-lasting mobility, even through the aging process.
1. Pay attention to the forces of nature. While observing the world around you, you’ll notice that its movements are graceful, beautiful, and balanced. For example, as the wind blows, the trunk of a tree is sturdy and rooted while the branches sway with each breeze. The idea in Qi Gong is to be both strong and flexible.
2. Engage in a variety of movements and activities. Find several activities that you enjoy: Hiking, swimming, biking, running, dancing, pickleball, weightlifting, gardening, golf, are just a few choices that can help you develop a well-rounded set of activities. Of course, Qi Gong is another option that integrates a vast variety of different movements in one practice. It focuses on building strength, flexibility, and balance. It’s also great for releasing stress and anxiety.
3. Be persistent. Like most things in life, it’s important to be consistent with your movement practice in order to see results. If possible, set aside at least 20 minutes a day to engage in activities that fit your lifestyle and align with your goals. It’s best to switch between activities in order to engage different parts of the body. It’s also important to choose activities that improve strength, flexibility, and balance. Start with activities that feel manageable and work your way up from there.
Qi Gong exercises such as The Pump, Move the Body Like a River, Full body Flow, and Rooster Stands on One Leg are just a few movements to cultivate strength, flexibility, and balance.