5 Animals Qigong
5 Animals Qigong
Discovering the practice of Qigong, the tools that will be available to you can help with deep healing so that you can overcome imbalances of the body and mind in order to move forward with a better understanding of how to better regulate our bodies and spirit.
What is Qigong?
Originating in China some 4,000 years ago, Qigong is a practice which incorporates breathing along with specific movements and postures. The goal is to help balance body and mind, develop awareness and increase feeling as well as promote an overall more balanced and healthier life. Becoming a practitioner will help harmonize the spirit, body, and breath to achieve the sought after “oneness”.
“Qi” (chee) is defined as air or energy; a circulating life force which is the central and active principle in the formation of any living thing.
“Gong” is defined as work.
What are the 5 Animals?
Dragon, Tiger, Leopard, Snake, and Crane
Practicing the motion of each movement we in turn open and strengthen our internal organs. Our blood circulation also improves.
Over time as we use them together regularly, we can improve our balance, awareness of our body, see improved flexibility, tendon, and muscle strength improvement as well as health longevity.
Also, expulsion of toxins in the body naturally as well as waste from bad habits can also occur.
DRAGON
The Dragon targets our kidneys, which is one of the keys to longevity. The maximum range twisting motion that is part of the movement helps wring out the kidneys and simulate flow in the spine. The emotion associated with the kidneys is fear. When we are afraid this is the organ most impacted by that emotion. Healthy kidneys are the key for eliminating fear and allowing relaxation.
TIGER
Tiger The Tiger form focuses on opening the lungs, improving our capacity to breathe, as well as releasing grief and stress. In many instances a shortness of breath is common while performing Qigong movements. The Tiger can help counteract that. Keep in mind that the lungs are responsible for establishing and moving Qi throughout the entire body.
LEOPARD
The Leopard targets the liver, which is the organ that is most associated with anger and toxicity. By squeezing the organs as we push together and twist, the liver can detoxify and purify. The liver filters and detoxifies the blood, as well as produces enzymes and hormones while regulating the volume of blood circulating.
SNAKE
The Snake works on the spleen, as well as helps improve joint and hip flexibility. As the spleen becomes more relaxed with the aid of the Snake, this will help aid in the digestion of food and absorption of Qi into the body. When the spleen is imbalanced, it can be caused by anxiety or worry to name a few examples.
CRANE
The Crane represents longevity and peace and is associated with the heart. It is also a perfect form to help improve or practice your balance and stability, internally or externally. When your heart is distracted or imbalanced, maintaining posture or stability will become difficult. Balancing can be achieved by relaxing the mind and our heart.