Frequently Asked Questions
Feel free to email if you have other questions:
angela@windandwaterqigong.com
1) Do you need to wear shoes for Qigong? No, when indoors, shoes are not necessary. If you're outside on rocks, then yes, flat souled shoes are good.
2) Do you need to wear any special clothing? Comfortable clothing is recommended so as to not constrict breathing and movement. But, Qigong may be done in any clothing, including jeans.
3) Do you have to be in perfect shape to perform Qigong? Oh my goodness, no! Anybody can perform some type of Qigong. It's always a good idea to consult with your doctor and just perform the movements to your own comfort level.
4) May Qigong be performed seated? Yes! absolutely. Feel free to ask for seated modifications, if you need them. It's a great way to ease back into movement after a long period of absence.
5) Is Qigong the same as Yoga? No, they are two different systems of health. While they are complementary and may be performed side by side, they view health from different lenses. Physical yoga as taught in western cultures, generally comes from an Indian based system of wellness. Qigong is taught from a "Traditional Chinese Medicine" perspective focusing on body meridians and acupuncture points. One may say that Qigong teaches one to relax the body in order to stretch whereas yoga holds the body in extended stretches in order to relax. Nice article entitled "Why Qigong is the Missing LInk in Contemporary Yoga" by Daniela Hess.
6) Is Qigong a religion? No, this type of Qigong focuses on health. The roots of Qigong include Taoism and Buddhism; some people include Qigong in their spiritual or religious practices but that is not the focus here.