TAI CHI QI GONG Shibashi

What is Qi Gong Shibashi?

Qi Gong Shibashi is a gentle form of exercise involving breathing and movements.  It is designed for reducing stress, for relaxation and for improvement of physical and emotional well-being. 

Pronounced “chee-gung”, Qigong is written in different ways  -  Chi Kung, Qi Gung, Chi Gong.   Chi” or “Qi” translates as ‘energy’ or ‘breath’.  Gong or Kung means ‘work’ or ‘practice’.  Qi Gong therefore translates as ‘energy work’, or ‘breath work’. 

The History of Tai Chi and Qi Gong 

Tai Chi has a very long history in China. The original roots are not clear, but may go back thousands of years.  Written references speak of a ‘dance’ used to ward off disease, regulate breathing and balance energy.

Around 2,700 BC the Yellow Emperor in Northern China is said to have practiced meditation, breathing exercises and yoga and  reached the age of 111.  A text from that time, “The Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Internal Medicine” states that, “Energy commands blood; where energy goes, blood follows.”

There are many different forms or ‘traditions’ of Tai Chi, developed over the last 300 years, and they generally focus on raising internal strength through the flows of Qi, while improving physical health.   Tai Chi often uses  ‘forms’ in which a series of movements flow like a dance.  These can include the use of sticks, fans, sashes or even swords. 

Qi Gong is a relatively modern term, from the 1950s  in China. There are 5 main traditions of Qi Gong which focus on different aspects of the physical body or the mind, including the development of virtue or enlightened wisdom, and the practice of martial arts skills.  The Medical/Healing tradition in Qi Gong focuses on the flow and balance of energy (Chi) in the body, to help treat illness, as well as improving and maintaining physical and emotional health.

Traditionally Tai Chi training would involve all forms of Qi Gong.  Shibashi Qi Gong comes from the Medical tradition and focuses on one set of specific exercises designed to improve or maintain health and well-being.

Where, When and How Much? 

Sessions are held on a 1:1 basis in Sutton Coldfield. Please contact me to book a session, at which time full address details will be given.

What happens in a Qi Gong Shibashi session?

Qi Gong is usually done standing up.  In Shibashi sessions each participant is offered a chair, in case they need to rest at any point.  There is always an introduction going through the 3 Stances used, and then the session of 18 movements.  Each movement benefits different areas of the body, but all help with the flow of Qi in the body.