ONLINE WORKSHOP: White Tiger Qigong & the Rhythm of Breath - Breathe Your Way to Wellness

What is Qigong?

Qi means Energy, and Gong is Cultivation, so Qigong is a way of cultivating your energy. Taoist Medical Qigong is an ancient meditative exercise system for enhancing health and well-being. The foundations of this system are rooted in Classical Chinese Medicine, Lao Tzu Taoism, the wisdom of the I-Ching, and contemplation of the natural world.

What is White Tiger Qigong?

The White Tiger Qigong Academy adds a modern perspective of applying sport & exercise science to the practices.

This school of Qigong practices Taoist Medical Qigong, incorporating physical movements, postures, breathing techniques, and meditative practices to cultivate and balance Qi, or vital energy, within the body. It combines elements from traditional Chinese medicine, martial arts, and Taoist philosophy. The practice of White Tiger Qigong aims to promote physical health, mental clarity, emotional well-being, and spiritual growth. It emphasises the integration of mind, body, and breath, and seeks to harmonise the flow of Qi through specific movements and postures. White Tiger Qigong typically involves dynamic exercises that may include stretching, flowing movements, and coordinated breathwork. These movements help to open up the energy channels, increase flexibility and strength, enhance coordination, and promote relaxation and mindfulness.

What is Qigong Breathwork?

Qigong breathwork is a practice rooted in traditional Chinese medicine and involves specific breathing techniques and movements to cultivate and balance the body's vital energy, known as "Qi." It is believed that when the Qi flows smoothly and harmoniously throughout the body, it promotes good health and well-being.

When it comes to breathwork in Qigong, there are several ways it can contribute to better health:

1. Oxygenation: Deep and controlled breathing in Qigong helps to increase oxygen intake. This oxygenates the blood and organs, improving their functionality and overall energy levels. Sufficient oxygen supply is vital for the proper functioning of our cells, tissues, and organs.
2. Stress reduction: The slow and mindful breathing techniques in Qigong activate the relaxation response in the body, reducing stress and promoting a state of calmness. By activating the parasympathetic nervous system, it counteracts the effects of chronic stress, such as elevated heart rate and blood pressure, and helps to restore balance.
3. Improved circulation: The rhythmic breathing patterns in Qigong help improve circulation by facilitating the movement of blood and lymphatic fluids throughout the body. Enhanced circulation ensures that nutrients and oxygen are delivered efficiently to cells, while waste products and toxins are removed effectively.
4. Balancing the autonomic nervous system: Qigong breathwork can influence the autonomic nervous system, which regulates involuntary bodily functions. It helps to balance the sympathetic and parasympathetic branches of the nervous system, leading to improved digestion, better sleep patterns, and enhanced overall physiological equilibrium.
5. Mind-body connection: Qigong breathwork encourages a deep connection between the mind and body. Focusing on the breath and the present moment cultivates mindfulness and self-awareness. This mind-body connection can positively impact mental health, emotional well-being, and the body's ability to heal itself.
6. Energy cultivation: Qigong breathwork aims to enhance the flow of Qi throughout the body's energy channels or meridians. By consciously directing and circulating Qi, it is believed that blockages and imbalances can be resolved, leading to improved vitality, immune function, and overall health.

What Will We Do in This Workshop?

You will:

• learn what distinguishes Qigong Breathwork from other forms of Breathwork.
• learn some fundamentals about the science and neuroscience of breathing and how this maps onto Taoist Qigong
• learn how to manipulate your breath to support energising or relaxing.
• see how breath is the over-arching driver of movement and what it feels like to experiment with breath rhythm during movement.
• discover an ancient breathing practice that stimulates and nourishes your brain, activates and connects the energy storage centres in the body and brings deep peace and emotional & mental balance.
• finish with a deeply restorative meditation and breathwork technique designed to release even the deepest held tension in the body, mind and spirit.

NB A 15 minute break is scheduled into the workshop. During this time, I will keep the meeting open so participants can connect over their cuppa!

About Your Instructor: You will be expertly guided by Sarah Divine, Senior White Tiger Qigong Instructor, who also holds a master's degree in sport and exercise science. Sarah has been practising Qigong for over 12 years and teaching since 2015. She trained initially with Master Mantak Chia in the Universal Healing Tao Qigong system, and has been studying and training with Master Tevia Feng in White Tiger Qigong since 2016. She is now the most qualified White Tiger Qigong instructor in Australia.

Sarah is a member of the International Institute of Complementary Therapists and AUSactive, as well as an Associate Member of Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA).