Qigong is a form of exercise, relaxation and meditation connecting your mind, body and spirit. I am fortunate enough to have a group that practises close by, that is not only in the perfect beachside location, it’s completely free of cost.

Benefits of Qi Gong Practice
It turns out Qigong is excellent for energy building in older people and any age with limited mobility. Through gentle controlled movements and breathing, Qigong may improve balance, promote greater mental focus, lower stress and anxiety, and decrease chronic disease risk.
Who would not want those kinds of benefits?
Though Qigong significantly aids the elderly or those in rehabilitation after hospitalization, injury or surgery, the gentle and controlled movement of Qigong has advantages for any age.
It claims to ease depression and lower blood sugar although scientific evidence of this benefit is lacking,
How Does Qigong Foster Well-Being
Specific movements aim to cleanse the twelve meridians of the body from blockages that are believed to cause ill health. Qigong has been used in Asia in rehabilitation after surgeries to help the body and mind return to health and nourish the spirit.
Qigong can harmonise, strengthen, and have a healing effect on the functioning of all the internal organs and bodily systems. It increases the supply and flow of energy throughout the body, can have a variety of rejuvenating effects and is believed to increase longevity, inducing a calm mental and emotional state.
Taichinews.com

Active qigong uses controlled, slow movements that are completed in a standing posture, and mainly involves the arms and upper body, so are simple enough even for the elderly while passive qigong involves stillness and calm breathing similar to traditional meditation.
Qigong includes repeating gentle, coordinated movements to promote blood and lymphatic drainage, balance, muscle strength and flexibility, and a greater awareness of one’s body in space (known as proprioception) (3Trusted Source).
Many people experience benefits that include:
- Clarity of the mind and body
- More energy and vitality
- Physical challenge symptoms reversed or disappeared
- Younger appearance
- Stabilised emotions
- Calm and peaceful feelings
- Higher levels of awareness and wellness
For four months last year, I committed to practising Qigong three times a week. Not only did I feel an increased sense of serenity and calm, I also felt I had much more strength in the upper body and an improved sense of balance, (so vital in older persons)
Additionally, there was another spin-off I wasn’t expecting.
It seems I felt able to deal with life’s challenges in a more balanced, confident way after several months of consistent practice – over three sessions a week, as opposed to one or even two, which did not seem as significant, or at least, as noticeable.
It could be an unhappy coincidence, but there’s been an associated slide backwards in emotional resilience since I injured my back last year and have been unable to complete this morning ritual, or exercise of any kind – until this week when I started attending the beachside group once again.
Perhaps, I have become a little dependent on this meditative form of exercise, at least in an emotional sense?
I guess there are worse things to become reliant on, right?
UPDATE:
As several people seem interested who don’t have groups nearby, there is always youtube. And it is nothing religious as one of my neighbours initially thought. That is Falun Gong – something entirely different, I think.
There are many resources and live demos on YouTube; short and long. Choose one that speaks to you.
This is one I recommend for beginners. It is not too long nor too strenuous but too will feel the calming effect immediately.
If the link to the Silk Brocade QiGong Practice doesn’t work, copy and paste this URL https://youtu.be/c

Qigong is soo good for you. I had a qigong master and I also had private healing sessions. I credit my Master and qigong for saving my life from Lymes Disease. I had it and it went undiagnosed for 28 years. Western doctors said I was terminal. Then I discovered qigong. Lymes isn’t even detectable in my body anymore and it is something that should always be there.
LikeLiked by 1 person
An amazing story, Cee! A fantastic validation of the benefits around this kind of mind-body-spirit connection. One of the leaders of the Qi gong group I attend is 86 years old and although she does have a few health issues – eye problems and such like, she is fitter and healthier than some who are 30 years her junior. Very little arthritis. How often do you practice?
LikeLike
I don’t really practice that often anymore. However some of the moves have just become a part of me I probably do more than I realize 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
Integrating them in your daily life is great, Cee. Is Lymes disease normally untreatable?
LikeLike
Not if it is caught early. People who get undiagnosed die from some sort organ damage which lymes untreaded caused. Lymes actually changed DNA as it integrates into the body. That’s why it is so hard to detect if you didn’t catch it early. I’m the only one I know who lived with Lymes undiagnosed for 28 years.
LikeLike
It is rather amazing, albeit damaging that Lymes changes DNA! I don’t know a lot about it but am thinking it is something to do with a tick bite in the country?
Just googled it and a government site says that we are fortunate that there is very little evidence Australian ticks have the bacteria that causes Lymes. I do remember a friend who trekked through Norway mentioned she had picked it up there.
It is lucky you found something holistic that rid you of Lymes as it sounds like an insidious nasty infection with serious complications. Could it recur or is it gone for good?
LikeLike
I have never heard of this. I loved your explanation and photos to accompany it. Donna
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Donna and welcome to Something to Ponder About. I had not heard of Qi gong before I moved to this location. I used to walk my dog along the beach and see this group doing exercises every day and thought – that looks interesting. The bonus was that it was all free and the group is self-renewing. People come and go but because of the beautiful location, the flexible nature of the group and the social aspect of a cup of coffee and chat afterwards, it has been going for 9 years!
I hope you feel tempted to try it should you come across a group. There are plenty of youtube videos too.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It sounds like a breath of fresh air. Thank you for the info. I would think there are plenty of place near me that would have it. Thank you for your lovely note. donna
LikeLiked by 1 person
Not heard of this around here, but I’ll keep my ears open!
LikeLike
If you can’t find a group near you, there is always youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y88zYo0YlOo
It certainly is a better energy boost than coffee!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sounds good, alright ! What did you do to your back ??
LikeLike
Nothing dramatic or interesting. Just snapped it leaning over in the car to reach the opposite door. I never knew so much pain!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hope it didn’t last too long !
LikeLike
I have had 3 months of rest and physio!
LikeLike
I like how well known medical centers, like Mayo Clinic and Cleveland Clinic are starting to offer some information about Qigong. It’s a start!https://www.mayoclinic.org/patient-visitor-guide/education-centers/patient-education-minnesota/classes/tai-chi-qigonghttps://health.clevelandclinic.org/what-are-the-health-benefits-of-qigong/
LikeLike
When people don’t have answers to medical problems, they turn to holistic medicine and treatments for answers and many of them are so beneficial and like Qigong, not invasive at all.
LikeLike
That is very interesting! I was just starting to learn tai chi when I was injured. I can no longer stand for any length of time but I’ve tried seated tai chi a couple of times. There was a little too much repetition of hugging the tree for me, it killed my shoulders, but I’ve found another source and plan to try it again. I will search on Qigong as well to see what might be available.
LikeLike
You might be able to try a modified seated qigong. We repeat each exercise 5-6 times before moving on to the next. Have you tried chair yoga?
LikeLike
Interesting. I have not heard of this before.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think you would like it, Peggy and the Carillion or the shores of Lake Burley Griffin would be an ideal spot to practice.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi, Amanda – Thank you for sharing this information on Qigong. I have always been curious about it, but haven’t yet pursued it. The information that you have shared here is very helpful.
LikeLike
I hope you will give it a go, Donna. It is so gentle, so meditative, I feel sure you’ll like it. Less intensive than Taichi, I cannot recommend it more highly as we get older.
LikeLike
I definitely need to research this. I could use this type of activity now more than ever.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Try the youtube clip practice for a week or if you are really keen, for 100 days, Alejandro. It will change your life!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ve heard of this but not really any details. It sounds like it could be beneficial to me and there are classes in my area although I’ve missed the start of this term. I’ll consider trying it later in the year – thank you!
LikeLike
I hope you are tempted to give it a go, Sarah. I would be interested to hear of your experiences with it.
LikeLike
I’m not familiar with Qigong. It sounds like something I could use, both in a literal and figurative way. Thanks for the information and the YouTube clip.
LikeLike
I can’t wait to see you using Qigong in a figurative way, Ally! Please ping me so I don’t miss it!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sounds amazing, but like any exercise the key is to consistently practice it – and there in lies the problem for most people, including me.n
LikeLike
You are so right, Chris and why this group is excellent. The social side keeps people coming and the serenity the practice offers.
LikeLike
Fascinating. I’d love to do this. Here in the rural Tuscany there is no chance of such a group but I know, I could find something online. Your link doesn’t work, even if I copy it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for alerting me of the dead Youtube link. You sound like one of Colin’s random raiders finding dead links…. have you joined?
LikeLiked by 1 person
No, I haven’t but I’ve seen it around. Busy enough at the moment.
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is very interesting. So many different disciplines of fitness which aren’t mainstream but beneficial. I read up more on Qi Gong after having read your post.
Thank you for sharing.
LikeLike
So glad this post sparked your interest. It is so beneficial.
LikeLike