QiGong
Shaolin Qigong 
Shaolin Qigong is an ancient Chinese energy cultivation system from the Shaolin Temple, blending gentle movements, deep breathing, and focused intention to improve health, vitality, and mental clarity, with famous sets like the Eight Brocades (Ba Duan Jin) strengthening tendons, calming the mind, and promoting overall well-being, often involving mindful awareness of 'Qi' (life energy). It's categorized into internal (Nei Gong) and external (Wai Gong) arts, focusing on physical fitness, spiritual development, and longevity, suitable for all ages.
Key Aspects of Shaolin Qigong include:
- Qi (Energy): The core concept, cultivated through awareness, circulation, and development for health.
- Mind-Body Connection: Emphasises simultaneous focus on breath, movement, and inner state for healing and peace
- Benefits: Enhances strength, flexibility, focus, prevents chronic illness (blood pressure, diabetes, etc.), and promotes longevity.
- Components: Often includes warm-ups, specific forms like Ba Duan Jin, and meditative practices.
Forms include:
- Ba Duan Jin (Eight Brocades): A foundational set of eight movements for balancing energy, healing, and vitality, involving actions like drawing the bow and separating heaven and earth.
- Yi Jin Jing (Muscle Tendon Change Classic): Focuses on strengthening and revitalising tendons and muscles, increasing flexibility.
Practice Principles
- Breath & Intention: Inhale to gather positive energy (Qi) to the navel (Dan Tian), exhale to direct it where needed.
- Relaxation: Essential for allowing healing and deep energy work.
- Consistency: Daily practice, even short sessions, builds significant internal strength and focus.
30 Minute Lesson/Practice - £45