Qigong is essential for living a good quality lifeand aging well

If you are serious about your health, then it is a no-brainer that incorporating physical exercises into your daily life is a must. Unfortunately, majority of the population seem to forget this fact. When physical activity or exercise is mentioned, we usually conjure up an image of ourselves lifting weights in the gym or running endless miles either outdoors or in a treadmill. If you are searching for a way to maintain or enhance your health, there are many options available that can help fulfill your goals.

As you approach or pass middle age, the objective of your physical activity is no longer about having the biggest bulging muscles or looking slim and fabulous in a bikini, but instead about extending your life and improving its quality. You should consider trying Qi Gong if this is indeed your objective. This classic Chinese practice is comprised series of body motions with focus on breathing.

The origins of Qigong has been controversial but yet rich. It is a branch of an Eastern medical system known as traditional Chinese medicine and is also deemed by many to be to a spiritual movement. Qi gong has three fundamental classifications which include the spiritual, medical, and martial forms. The practice of Qigong in the West is overwhelmingly for health purposes and its exercises are a magnificent way to attain good health and well being among its practitioners.

Qi gong is a Chinese term that means life energy (Qi) and to accomplish a skill through steady or daily practice and effort (Gong). According to traditional Chinese medicine, each of us are born with this life energy or Qi and by using it, we can receive health benefits that uplift us physically, spiritually, and mentally. Not only can Qi gong soothe the mind and spirit, which helps relieve stress, it has also been proven to beef up the immune system as well as build overall stamina, lower hypertension, raise vitality, and improve posture and balance. A committed Qi gong practitioner can bolster the function of his/her cardiovascular system, lymphatic system, digestive system, circulatory system, and respiratory system, all of which are very essential for living a good quality life and for aging well.

Qi gong is usually divided into two basic types: hard qi gong and soft qi gong. Hard Qigong generally refers to Martial Arts, and its objective is to strengthen discipline and concentration. Soft Qigong refers to Tai Chi and its focus is to enhance the overall health of the spirit, mind, and body. Various styles or forms can be easily done by all physical abilities and ages including people who are physically challenged. Qigong is an attractive activity regardless of what style you choose as it enables you to workout right in the comfort of your own home and its benefits can be attained by practicing it at least 20 minutes a day.

If you desire to do qi gong at home, there are many DVDs and books available to help you get started; if you want to practice in a group setting, there are qi gong classes you can enroll in. Keep in mind that Qigong requires commitment and practice with the focus on mental focus, specific postures, and proper breathing techniques. Integrating this practice into your lifestyle will provide you with a lot benefits that many exercise routines cannot offer. Qigong helps you to free negative behaviors and attitudes and foster a positive outlook on life by restoring balance in your life by promoting enjoyment, stability, and harmony.