First published in ‘The Healer’ magazine in October 2024

Qigong (pronounced chee-gong) is an ancient Chinese practice that means ‘energy cultivation’ – qi meaning energy and gong meaning skill or practice.

It is a gentle mind-body-spirit practice that involves deep breathing, slow mindful movements and visualisation to cultivate and balance the body’s vital life force energy, or “qi.”  

It is also the foundation (or grandmother) of Tai Chi which is more of a soft martial art.  Qigong is older, simpler and easier to learn. 

I first stumbled across Qigong during lockdown and was immediately hooked. 

It seemed like the missing link I’d been looking for. It connects deeply to the energy healing training I’d done nearly 20 years ago at the Harry Edwards Foundation and it somehow feels both deeply familiar and entirely new – a perfect blend of natural healing principles and deep energy work.  

I love it and wanted to share the quiet magic of Qigong with others so trained as a teacher in 2021. 

In December 2024, I finished a fantastic year-long mentorship programme led by my wonderful teacher and mentor Mimi Kuo-Deemer, whose generous teachings continue to inspire me.

Qigong is one of the five branches of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), alongside acupuncture, herbal medicine, massage and dietary therapy.

Its foundation is built on the observation of nature and the harmonious balance of yin and yang, representing the dualities in life – light and dark, sun and moon, active and passive.

These principles are reflected in the flowing, spiral-like movements that mimic the cycles of nature.

Central to Qigong are the concepts of energy pathways, or meridians, and energy points known as “gates.” These meridians are like rivers in the body through which the qi flows, nourishing and sustaining life.

If, like a river, that flow becomes blocked or stagnant, it can manifest as physical or emotional dis-ease. Qigong works to unblock these pathways, allowing energy to circulate freely and promoting overall well-being.

Qigong is often likened to “moving meditation,” where the mind, body and breath come together in a calm and intentional flow.

It shares many parallels with Spiritual Healing where we start by grounding and working with healing intent.

In both practices, there is an initial focus on grounding, connecting with the earth, and attuning to the surrounding energy. We see ourselves as conduits for energy between heaven and earth, aligning with the natural flow.

In Qigong, grounding is achieved through specific movements and mental imagery, where we “sink” the qi, allowing it to descend into the lower body and root into the earth, much like the roots of a tree.

We relax, align and attune to the energy around us and visualise it from the crown of the head (“The Hundred Meeting point”) to the soles of the feet (the “Bubbling Spring” points), creating a circuit of heavenly and earthly qi that nourishes the body and mind.

Qigong’s beauty lies in its simplicity.

The movements are gentle and accessible to people of all ages and abilities.

There is no need for special equipment, and it can be performed standing or sitting, making it versatile enough to fit into any lifestyle.

It is best practiced in nature, where one can connect directly with the earth and the elements, such as feeling the warmth of the sun or the gentle touch of the wind.

At the core of Qigong practice is the breath. Everything starts with the breath which then leads each movement.

We focus on slow, fine, deep, and even breathing which allows us to relax deeply, promoting a state of calm tranquillity.

Visualisation is also an important element, where practitioners set their intention, whether it is to release tension, improve clarity, or simply reconnect with their inner selves.

Qigong is not only preventative but also restorative. It’s the ultimate self-healing practice and has been found to be highly effective for reducing stress, anxiety, sadness and grief.

It is excellent for enhancing immune function, improving joint and muscle flexibility, and strengthening the lungs making it a beneficial practice for almost anyone.

As we perform the movements, we engage in what could be considered an energetic “clearing,” releasing what no longer serves us, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual. And by doing so, we allow fresh energy in.

The practice is also aligned with the changing seasons and the principles of the Five Elements or phases in Chinese Medicine.

Each season corresponds to an element/phase and associated organs.

For example, Autumn aligns with the Metal element and is linked to the Lungs and Large Intestine. It is a time for letting go, whether that be outdated thought patterns, physical tension, or emotional burdens.

In Qigong, the forms practiced during Autumn help clear stagnant energy, creating space for renewal as we move toward the reflective and restorative quiet of Winter.

I teach a range of Qigong classes and retreats in the Surrey Hills near Guildford.

I always start with an emphasis on grounding, alignment and safety, and begin with a “cleansing” practice to clear the space and anything we wish to let go of.

Permission is always sought before any hands-on adjustments are offered, which may include guiding someone’s posture or encouraging a softer, more relaxed stance. This respect for personal space and autonomy is a vital part of the healing process, allowing people to feel both protected and empowered in their practice.

My classes are open to everyone regardless of experience and beginners are welcome.

Qigong is particularly suited for those who are exploring mind-body healing or who have experienced energy work before.

It’s also great for those who want to feel more relaxed, more themselves and perhaps might struggle to meditate sitting down. Qigong is like meditation in motion where our breath leads our movement.

The Harry Edwards Healing Sanctuary and gardens are a truly wonderful setting for these classes, where the peaceful natural environment adds to the healing atmosphere.

Soon I will be offering more seasonal Qigong workshops to delve deeper into the practice, exploring the changing seasons and the healing potential of different Qigong forms.

At its heart, Qigong is about awakening the body’s innate healing abilities.

Through the mindful integration of movement, breath, and visualisation, we can reconnect with our own natural healing powers.

Each of us has the capacity to heal and to be healed. By learning to direct our qi, we can influence the state of our health, gently guiding the body back to balance.

The gentle, flowing movements of Qigong are inspired by nature with forms that reflect this: “Embrace Tree”, “Bamboo in the Wind”, “White Tiger Breathing Qi“, “Wise Owl turns his head”, “Separating Clouds”, “Pushing Waves” – all of which invite us to flow in harmony with the natural world.

It encourages us to live more seasonally and to be in tune with the cycles of nature, reminding us that we are nature and part of the earth’s natural rhythm.

I’m passionate about sharing Qigong with others in the Surrey Hills. Whether you are seeking stress relief, a deeper connection to your body’s energy, or a way to complement other healing and movement practices. Qigong offers a gentle yet powerful approach to well-being.

If you’re curious about healing or looking for Qigong classes in Surrey, this gentle practice is a wonderful place to begin.

It is simple to start: find a quiet space, wear loose-fitting clothes and breathe. Let the movements lead you to a place of stillness and rejuvenation, where you can awaken the healer within.

Qigong is the poetry of breath and movement, a practice where the natural rhythms of the earth and the quiet power of healing become one. It encourages us to go with the flow.

So join me in a class, workshop or retreat and embrace the flow.  Let Qigong guide you to a path of natural healing and inner peace.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), each organ is associated with a colour and emotion. This practice, inspired by Kenneth Cohen, Qigong Master and author of The Way of Qigong and is a well-known Daoist healing technique. It invites you to breathe in the vibrant colour of each organ, polishing it until it shines like a precious gemstone.

– The heart glows with a warm Ruby red

– The lungs shimmer with the purest Diamond white

– The liver radiates with Emerald green

– The spleen glows like a golden yellow Topaz

– The kidneys are a deep midnight blue, like precious Sapphires

To practise:

1. Inhale deeply through your nose for a count of 4, allowing your abdomen to expand fully.

2. Pause briefly at the top of your breath, then exhale slowly for a count of 4

3. As you inhale imagine breathing healing colour and light into each organ and this feeling of deep relaxation radiates throughout your entire body.

4. Exhale and breath our anything that dulls your sparkle.

5. Repeat for several breaths, letting your mind settle into stillness.

This gentle practice calms the mind, reduces stress, and helps you feel centred and energised. It’s especially helpful if you do lying down before bed or if you wake in the night as it will ease you back into a restful sleep.