Relaxing qigong

Qigong (pronounced as Chi Kung) is now very popular in the west. There is actually no equivalent word for this Chinese term "qi" (pronounced as "chi"). The closest will be "ethereal energy force". This unseen energy force that is giving energy to the body, when properly harnessed will maintain the physical body in good shape.

The second word "gong" (pronounced as "kung") means "work". Literally, qigong means "ethereal-energy work". To give it a more meaningful translation, I would say qigong means "exercise to harness the ethereal energy force" to maintain or improve one's health.

There are many types of qigong ranging from the stationary/static stance to the very graceful dance form. I have practised a number of Qigong variations, from the very taxing stationary form to the very graceful musical-dance version Qigong. I have also practised the ever-popular Tai Chi. All in, I have done 6 types of Qigong.

I personally find this particular Qigong to be very suitable for me. It is very relaxing and yet exhilarating, very suitable for elderly people like me. So I call this "Relaxing Qigong".

By the way I am past 60. I would like to share this version of relaxing qigong with you.

Before we go into the qigong proper, may I introduce to you my teacher and friend who is responsible for this version of relaxing qigong. His name is Bhante Kovida. He has a very colorful and carefree personality and he is a Buddhist monk. Bhante Kovida grew up in the fun-filled, carefree, sunny Jamaica. He is now residenced in Canada. By the way he is a "banana" Chinese just like me. (LOL) Hahaha!!! Banana?? I am sure you know the banana. The skin is yellow, but the flesh is white (or rather of white). This is a joke and a nickname we give to Chinese who are well-educated in English but know nuts about the proper Chinese language and culture. Yellow outside but white inside!

Bhante Kovida is a travelling bug...I mean he likes to travel around the world. I can tell you, if he had wings on his back, he wouldn't be staying in Canada for long. He would be hovering all over the world all day long! Hahahahaha!!!!! And recently for a major portion of 2010 he was in Malaysia, and I had the honor to invite him to stay with me for a few days. Of course I had free qigong practice session with him while at my home! He too, had to "work" for the free food and lodging. (LOL)

Bhante Kovida has compiled his extensive travel adventures into two books. He is now completing his third volume which has yet to be published. If you are interested to know more about Bhante Kovida, this is his website : CLICK HERE

Now may I present Bhante Kovida's version of relaxing qigong.

Now we come to the youtube videos. The whole exercise takes less than an hour. The Youtube presentation below is split into 16 parts.

Please note, when you end the last posture in video #15, which is actually another version of the "horse stance", you should feel a tingling/pulsating sensation at the tips of your fingers. Try to separate your hands very slowly away from each other, sideways, and you should feel a slight resistant. Likewise, when you move them back to the original position, you should also feel the slight resistant. This means that the qi (chi) or "inner strength" or "ethereal energy" is energized, making you healthier and more alert.

I hope you like this relaxing qigong.

The accompanying background music and hymns provide a soothing and relaxing ambience.  It is in Mandarin Chinese and the lyrics are very meaningful too.  To know more about this piece of composition please CLICK HERE:

For my other related hubs (articles) please click the links below:

Simple and easy qigong

Horse stance qigong

Stand on one leg qigong

Self-healing Posture

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