At Gwinganna, we believe there is no better way to start the day than by developing a balanced and calm mindset.
That’s why each morning, we invite our guests to gather on the hillside to practice Qi Gong as the sun’s first rays shine over Tallebudgera Valley and to the coast.
What is Qi Gong?
Qi Gong is an ancient Chinese practice cultivating Qi ( or life force ) to bring balance back into life.
It involves movements that are practised in conjunction with mindful diaphragmatic breathing. The aim of Qi Gong is to align the breath and direct our awareness inwards through this series of movements. In doing so, the practice can help us to be resilient to the fast pace of modern life.
The benefits of Qi Gong
In this day and age, people in modern cultures tend to experience a lot of stress. In Gwinganna terms, they tend to be more yang-orientated.
Yang is about movement, thinking and control. When we spend an extended period of time in more stressful situations, this can lead us into a stress response and activate the sympathetic nervous system, creating an imbalance for both our body and mind.
Our minds and bodies require an equal amount of yin as they do yang. This is why Qi Gong is so beneficial.
Qi Gong cultivates and stimulates the internal energy or life force known as Qi within the body system which, according to Traditional Chinese Medicine, helps keep you focused, healthy and full of vitality.
“Qi Gong helps flush the lymphatic system, cleanse the organs and allow us to breathe a deep, cleansing, full breath.
Megan Bardsley, Emotional Wellbeing Manager and Equine Therapist at Gwinganna.
In doing so, the practise calms our mind and body and helps to reduce stress and anxiety.
Why we offer Qi Gong at Gwinganna
Qi Gong helps to calm the mind, balance emotions and increase concentration, all of which enables us to respond rather than react during stressful situations.
There are many forms of Qi Gong; however, here at Gwinganna, we do a particular form called Qi Gong Shibashi. Due to its effectiveness in balancing yin and yang, Qi Gong is offered as a staple activity at Gwinganna. This is why we invite you to practice Qi Gong every morning.
Once you master simple movements and breaths in Qi Gong, they can help you improve vitality and health and be more resilient to stress each day.
Try Qi Gong at home today
Start every day with mental and physical balance through the ancient practice of Qi Gong.
Find more information about the practice in our Wellness at Home Online package and follow our Qi Gong Video from the comfort of your own home.
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