Qi Gong classes in Bristol

Taijiwuxigong

I teach Qi Gong classes in Bristol and surrounding area. These are exercises from the Taijiwuxigong system (pronounced Tai ChI Woo She Gong). They were developed from the principles of Tai Chi by my teacher Dr Shen Hongxun.  In class, your focus will be on improving your posture and clearing negative information (known as binqi) through your body’s energy channels and meridians. This can include metabolic waste products and emotional information.  We hear a lot about Tai chi & Qi Gong for the elderly, but these exercises can help you whatever your age. They are a fun way to improve your physical and mental health. There is something to suit everyone, from dynamic physical exercises, to quiet/mindful sitting or lying down exercises. Classes also include a meditation. All the exercises can be adapted and practised by anyone, regardless of your age, previous experience or level of mobility.

Taijiwuxigong was the most successful qigong system developed in China in the 1980’s. As such it was endorsed as the most effective system at the 1988 World Qigong Congress held in Beijing.

What does a Qi Gong class involve?

We practise three main types of exercise in our Qi  Gong classes: Daoyin, Spontaneous movement exercises, and meditation. These work together to activate our body’s energy centre (or Dantian), open up our spine, and cleanse our body’s channels and meridians. Our aim is self healing, and self-regulation of the body and mind.

In a Taijiwuxigong class we all work at our own pace and in a way which is appropriate for our individual fitness and experience. There is no system of grading and no competition. On the contrary, complete beginners can work next to experienced practitioners in a supportive learning environment.

All you need to attend a class is some flat (preferably soft soled) shoes and comfortable clothes that are not too tight.

If you would like to attend these Qi Gong classes in Bristol, or book a workshop, please contact me on claire@taichibodyandmind.co.uk

Spontaneous Movement exercises

Spontaneous movement might sound a bit strange! However this is a natural phenomenon of the human body and has an auto-regulatory function. For example when our eyes are dry, we blink; when our body is tired, we yawn. In a Taijiwuxigong class we use specific exercises to bring the force from the earth (earth force) into the body and activate our body’s energy centre (Dantian). This allows vibration force to move around our body, creating spontaneous movement and opening our energetic channels and meridians. Spontaneous movement exercises are fun, but they have a clear purpose. The vibration force helps to release our physical and mental stress. It stretches and opens our spine, our ligaments and our joints and helps our body fluids to flow more freely. This helps our bodies to naturally clear sick information.

Daoyin Exercises

These are exercises with a guiding or directing function and a strong mental intention. In these exercises we use a lot of visualisation. They provide a counterpoint to the deep relaxation of spontaneous movement and are very specific.  The Wuxi Daoyin are a series of exercises designed to open and stretch the spinal column, correct body posture and expel sick information (or binqi) from the body. We use mind, breath and body movement to guide sick information out of the body. Different exercises focus on specific parts of the body.

Meditation

Wuxi meditation exercises include lying down or sitting exercises using mantras, sound and breathing. In Taijiwuxigong we use meditation to release mental tension and to increase the sensitivity of the body.

At a more advanced level, a spiritual dimension can also be explored, but this is something for individual choice. You can still feel great and benefit from the practice without it.