Qi is the Chinese word for life energy. Gong means “work” or “benefits acquired through perseverance and practice.” Qi Gong is a holistic system of self-healing developed over 5,000 years ago that include healing postures, movements, self-massage, breathing techniques, and meditation. Our bodies are much like rechargeable batteries; sleep being the easiest way to reenergize. However through these various methods, qi can be increased and stored in the body, improving health and harmony of the qi flow.  Kyle has studied with a Qi Gong Grand Master for over 5 years and won a Gold medal at the International Martial Art Championship in Taiwan in 2007.

One or two exercises can be taught after an acupuncture treatment, or you can schedule private instruction that will cover the primary eight movements that correspond to the internal organs.

Qi Gong is one of the best exercises to maintain optimal health and prevent disease.  It can be done by anyone, even in a wheelchair.  Even though our breath is an automatic function, we are able to consciously alter it, and in turn, alter our mental, physical, and emotional state. Our respiration often relates with our current emotion. Stress causes our breath to increase, in turn causing our heart rate to increase, activating the sympathetic nervous system (our ‘fight or flight’ mode). When we perceive stress and have the above reaction, our body starts to use cortisol, a hormone designed to help in survival. However, prolonged levels of cortisol can lead to heart disease and many other health problems. Since cortisol is made from DHEA, the anti-aging hormone, the body can start to age and even lead to adrenal exhaustion. In contrast, when we are calm, the breath rate decreases, the heart rate decreases, and the parasympathetic nervous system takes over, and your DHEA is used to restore the body, instead of being used to replenish cortisol supplies. Scientific research has shown that adequate levels of DHEA in the body can slow the aging process, and prevent, improve, and often reverse chronic conditions such as cancer, heart disease, memory loss, obesity, and osteoporosis. DHEA peaks at age 20 to 25, and then begins to decline.

Taking control of our breath may be the single most effective tool for promoting health and longevity. In the variety of relaxation techniques available, whether it is meditation, Tai Chi, Qi Gong, self-hypnosis, physical exercise, or biofeedback, the breath always plays a vital role.