The exercises are characterised by slow movements, mental concentration and often self administered massage and thus incorporate the training of both body and mind. Resulting in the strengthening not only of the muscles, heart and lungs but the psychological and emotional states is also enhanced, harmonising the balance between body and mind. They are often given to patients receiving Chinese Massage, Acupuncture or Herbal Therapy in order to speed up the rehabilitation process. They offer a means of relieving tension not forgetting their effectiveness in improving physical fitness and general well being in children, teenagers, the middle-aged and the elderly, the young and the old.

The different types of Chinese Exercise are outlined below all of which will help to promote one’s health as well as increase physical strength, improve blood circulation, correct poor posture, increase flexibility and relax both body and mind.

Qigong:
Qigong is a type of Chinese internal exercise, an energetic and physical practice which pays great importance to correct posture and breath control. Its movements are simple making it suitable for anyone to learn weather in good health, rehabilitation or by those carrying injuries to their lower body. Qigong is used as a means of physical exercise as well as in the prevention and treatment of diseases.

Benefits of Qigong:

• Increases strength & flexibility
• Heals injuries & regenerates damaged tissue
• Improves circulation & vascular function
• Increases bone density
• Increases energy levels
• Improves concentration
• Improves stamina, balance & athletic performance.

 

Yangsheng Gong & Dao Yin:

Yangsheng Gong (Health Preservation Exercises) the exercises are performed for health preservation, disease prevention and treatment. They work by using self massage techniques which stimulate the natural healing powers of the body, preventing disease from taking hold. The exercises are performed daily either in the morning or evening. All of these exercises may be performed from a seated position making them particularly suitable for the elderly or chronically ill.
Dao Yin (Guiding & Stretching) a simple sequence of stretches which are performed softly and slowly. The various postures help to establish the inner circulation of Qi around the various channels, by gently releasing blockages that inhibits its flow and thus our flexibility. They pay attention to breath control and can also contain self massage techniques. All of these exercises may be performed from a seated position:

Benefits of Yangsheng Gong & Dao Yin:

• Increases strength/flexibility of muscles & joints
• Help in the treatment of various conditions from back pain to heart disease
• Speeds up rehabilitation process
• Improves circulation
• Increases bone density
• Increases stamina
• Stress relief
• Improves muscle tone
• Relieves muscular tension
• Promotes longevity and good health.

Jingzuo:
Jingzuo (Quiet Sitting) is ‘Meditation’ which may be performed sitting, lying or standing. It is performed silently with the eyes slightly open gazing at the tip of the nose with the tip of the tongue in contact with the upper palate and the mind concentrated on the Dantian (lower abdomen).

Benefits of Meditation:

• Reduces hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Decreases heart rate
• Relieves anxiety and other chronic conditions caused by stress
• Relieves muscular tension
• Improves digestion
• Inner silence
• Promotes longevity and good health.