LIVING, THINKING + BEING
UNBLOCK YOUR LIFE FORCE QIGONG OR CHI KUNG IS SOMETIMES VIEWED AS CHINESE YOGA AND IS a practice of slow, graceful movements, mental focus and deep abdominal breathing to boost and balance vital energy, or what is called, Qi. It has been used in China for more than five thousand years and is gaining acceptance in the Western world as a beneficial treatment for many common ailments. In New Zealand the Ministry of Heath has been funding lessons in Tai Chi for the elderly, particularly to improve balance and prevent falls. Unfortunately many have given up on it because the movements are hard to remember and it takes years to become a proficient practitioner. Some regard it as a younger cousin to the ancient Qigong method and more suitable for martial arts training. The Qigong method is also suitable for martial arts but most people practice it to improve their health. I spoke to Julienne Stretton who started teaching Qigong in her local community on Waiheke because she feels that individuals should take responsibility for their own health and general well being. There shouldn’t be a need to rely on taking some sort of medication to feel better. She also rejects the commonly held expectation that growing old automatically causes health problems. There is no need to be a sick old person and practicing Qigong will prevent many of the conditions associated with declining years. Unlike Tai Chi, Qigong is not difficult to learn. It’s low impact exercises are gentle on the joints and knees and anyone can do them regardless of age, weight, body type or fitness. Even if someone doesn’t get the movements quite right or within a small range of motion, it is still extremely effective. Chinese hospitals now include Qigong units where its practice is a necessary part of the recovery process after an operation or a chronic illness and to help build the immune system. Patients also feel calmer and very often feel their pain lessen. Western style fast-paced gym exercises are all about the body. Get on the exercise machine, clamp the iPod to the ears and workup a sweat. On the other hand, Qigong is more holistic and combines breath alignment, physical activity and mental awareness. Where the mind goes, the chi follows.
88 PONSONBY NEWS+ April 2011
Just as the Beatles made yoga fashionable when they went to an ashram in India it follows that China, now the super economic power on the international scene is doing the same for Qigong. There are screeds of stuff about it on the internet and even online instructions. For those who prefer to learn from a master there are lessons at the Ponsonby Community Centre Monday evenings from 6.00 to 7.00pm. Petro Smith has been teaching Qigong since 2003. He has studied at the East West Centre in London and at the Yuantze Centre in Wellington and is an accredited teacher of the Zhineng Gong system. For further details go to www.qi.co.nz Small sessions for five or six in ones own house are also ideal. This might be of interest to U3A and Probus special interest groups or anyone else who wishes to improve their health. Julienne Stretton lived in Freemans Bay for many years but now prefers life on the island. She has trained in Thailand under Qigong master ManTak Chia and would be available to teach groups in Ponsonby. This is a far cry from her former work as a documentary producer and director for TVNZ, but she finds her change of lifestyle is just as rewarding. Her contact numbers are T: 09 372 9260 or M: 027 473 880. (DEIRDRE ROELANTS) PN
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