We’ve been conditioned to believe that losing weight and keeping it off requires depriving ourselves with strict diets and punishing ourselves with grueling exercise regimes. But Qi Gong takes a radically different view - one of treating ourselves with love, kindness and compassion and appreciating everything our body does for us.
Here are 6 ways Qi Gong helps you find and maintain your “happy weight” in a way that is effortless, natural, and stress-free:
1. QIGONG BALANCES THE WHOLE ‘YOU’
Because Qi Gong enhances the quantity and quality of life force energy that circulates through you, it encompasses every aspect of who you are, including your thoughts, emotions, your physical body and your spirit.
The purpose of Qi Gong is to bring the entire energy system into alignment and harmony. When practiced regularly, the body finds its natural state of balance and equilibrium, helping to effortlessly shed unwanted kilos.
2. QIGONG RELEASES STRESS (A ROOT CAUSE OF WEIGHT GAIN)
Qi Gong is one of the most effective techniques for relieving stress and tension in the body.
Under stress, the body goes into “fight or flight” mode, which diverts energy away from digestion and into other areas of the body. As the digestive system shuts down, the body stores and holds on to fat.
The stress response also causes an overproduction of the hormone cortisol, which studies have linked to increased appetite, sugar cravings and added abdominal fat.
Ironically, the stress of dieting and the pressure people put on themselves trying to lose weight creates havoc on the digestive system and the body’s ability to absorb nutrients. Your body may then trigger a feeling of hunger, not because it actually needs more food, but because the stress has rendered it unable to properly digest the food that is available.
3. QI GONG BOOSTS METABOLISM
The most common reason metabolism slows down as people get older, is because many people become less active. But with just a few minutes of Qi Gong each day, this can be counteracted.
All the cells in the body need oxygen, and certain parts of the stomach consume more oxygen than any other tissue in the body. Qi Gong’s strong emphasis on breathing improves the supply of oxygen to the cells, igniting the internal fire and strengthening metabolism.
When our metabolism is strong, the food we eat is transformed into energy instead of being stored as fat.
4. QI GONG ENERGISES THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS
Many Qi Gong movements focus on directing energy into the abdominal area, which is the Earth centre of the body. This nourishes and energises all the internal organs, especially the spleen and stomach, making the digestive system stronger and able to absorb more energy from the food we eat.
As a ‘side effect’ of moving energy into the Earth Centre of the body, you also feel more connected and balanced within. Your mind becomes clearer and your intuition more powerful. You become more in-tune with what your body needs to stay healthy.
5. QI GONG LIFTS YOUR MOOD & REDUCES CRAVINGS
Cravings manifest from imbalances in the mind and body. Usually the source of this imbalance is stress. Emotional upsets can trigger strong uncontrollable food cravings and binge eating.
Instead of turning to food in order to feel better when we feel out of control, Qi Gong gives us a way to tap into our power to feel in control and transform negative emotions into positive ones. Tapping certain points on the face and body (Emotional Freedom Techniques) has also been used very successfully in eliminating food cravings.
Most people leave a Qi Gong class on a ‘high’ because Qi Gong produces endorphins (the same happy hormones that are produced by eating chocolate). Endorphins bring about feelings of euphoria and general well-being and they are natural pain-killers.
6. QI GONG HELPS IMPROVE CORE STENGTH
Qi Gong focuses on moving from your centre, helping to improve your posture, core stability and overall structural alignment.
In addition, certain Qi Gong exercises, such as Tao Yin floor exercises, are wonderful for targeting deep abdominal muscles and strengthening the core of the body.
Tao Yin, sometimes referred to as Taoist Yoga, cultivates energy and power in the abdomen, as well as activating the largest muscles in the back, buttocks and legs for an even more powerful metabolism and increased strength and flexibility.
About the author: Kerrie Womersley is a Certified Advanced Holden Qigong Teacher and Advanced Soul Realignment ‘Akashic Records’ Reader, helping people discover their true Divine nature. Connect with her by visiting www.findyourselfnow.com.
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