the joints, stretch muscles, and enhance balance.
Movements can be done either standing or sitting”
(qigongcalgary.com/shibashi-qigong).
Another major facet of qigong practice is repeatedly
tapping one’s fingertips on the body’s energy points.
It has some of the same effects as acupuncture but
without the needles. These pressure points are
associated with a particular organ or gland or process
(like digestion or circulation). It’s interesting to
learn that massaging the pressure point on the wrists
relieves nausea. Proper breath techniques and learning
how to coordinate one’s breath with the movements
are also very important.
I like the names of some of the exercises: The Yellow
Dragon Shows Its Claws, The Fisherman Casts His
Net, The Holy Crane Worships the Moon, The Phoenix
Spreads Its Wings. The names help you to remember
the sequences that you are trying to perform.
It’s easy to find information on the internet about
qigong if you are interested in more explanation and
details. Many YouTube videos illustrate some
of the different movements. It also seems
fairly easy to find qigong classes;
I searched for ‘qigong’ with the
names of many towns and cities
in Alberta and got hits
everywhere. So, if you want
to try it out, you shouldn’t
have much trouble finding
a class to join.
Less stress, better
health. Who could ask
for more? ●
After a career at the University of Calgary, Linda
took well to retirement, travelling widely and living
in Ontario and British Columbia before settling in
Alberta. Now she volunteers, writes, plays the piano,
and exercises regularly.
The King’s University is looking for Practicum Supervisors to work with
our student teachers for the 2019-2020 school year.
news&views AUTUMN 2019 | 29