Archive for September 2023

Why do we need to synergise our body, energy and mind? (Jing, Qi, Shen).

The simple answer is to create a balanced and harmonious state of well-being that supports physical health, emotional stability, and spiritual growth. 

But if that sounds like woo-woo or unachievable, given daily stresses and demands, how about enjoying life with a smooth energy flow? This Qigong ideal may be challenging if we don't break old habits and form healthier ones.

So why in Qigong, do we practice harmonising our Jing (Body), Qi (Energy) and Mind (Shen)?

The answer to this lies in the problems we create when going against our nature - what we may call chronic stress, anxiety, worry, over-working and depletion, to name a few. 

It has been known for many centuries that negative thoughts and emotions can significantly impact mental and physical health, including energy levels. The mind and body are interconnected, and what affects one can often influence the other. 

The practice of Qigong helps to harmonise our mind, emotions and actions so that energy can flow smoothly. In other words, it helps our body systems function as designed. 

Here are some examples of how we become impacted by disharmony:

1. Stress Response: Negative emotions, such as chronic stress, anxiety, and anger, trigger the body's stress response. This response releases stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, contributing to various health issues, including elevated blood pressure, weakened immune function, and increased risk of heart disease.

2. Immune System Suppression: Prolonged negative emotions can weaken the immune system, making the body more susceptible to infections, illnesses, and chronic conditions. This occurs because stress hormones can suppress immune cell activity.

3. Inflammation: Negative emotions have been linked to chronic inflammation in the body. Inflammation is associated with a wide range of health problems, including autoimmune disorders, cardiovascular disease, and certain types of cancer.

4. Sleep Disturbances: Negative thoughts and emotions can lead to sleep disturbances, including insomnia. Poor sleep can negatively impact physical health by weakening the immune system, impairing cognitive function, and increasing the risk of chronic diseases.

5. Digestive Issues: Stress and negative emotions can affect the digestive system, leading to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), indigestion, and even inflammatory bowel diseases. The gut-brain connection means emotional distress can manifest as physical symptoms in the digestive tract.

6. Cardiovascular Health: Negative emotions can contribute to the development of cardiovascular issues. Chronic stress, for instance, increases the risk of hypertension (high blood pressure), heart disease, and stroke.

7. Mental Health Disorders: Prolonged negative thoughts and emotions are associated with an increased risk of mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, and mood disorders. These conditions can further impact overall well-being and physical health.

8. Pain Perception: Negative emotions can amplify the perception of pain and discomfort. This can lead to a reduced pain threshold and greater sensitivity to physical sensations.

9. Energy Depletion: Constant negative thoughts and emotions can drain mental and physical energy, leading to fatigue, lack of motivation, and decreased productivity.

10. Behavioral Impact: Negative emotions can lead to unhealthy coping mechanisms, such as overeating, substance abuse, or social isolation, further exacerbating health issues.

Negative emotions are natural. It is coping mechanisms that matter.

It's important to note that negative emotions are a natural part of life, and experiencing them from time to time is expected. However, chronic and unmanaged negative emotions can lead to serious health consequences. Developing healthy coping mechanisms, practising stress reduction techniques, seeking support from friends, family, or professionals, and maintaining a positive outlook can all contribute to better emotional and physical well-being.

Qigong is a holistic practice that aims to harmonise the mind, body, and emotions by utilising various techniques such as movement, breath control, meditation, and focused intention. 

The fundamental principles and practices of Qigong contribute to this harmonisation in the following ways:

1. Awareness and Mindfulness: Qigong encourages practitioners to become more aware of their bodies, thoughts, and emotions. By cultivating mindfulness during Qigong practice, individuals can better understand their internal states and begin recognising tension, stress, or emotional imbalance patterns.

2. Breath Control: Conscious control of the breath is a central aspect of Qigong. Deep and intentional breathing patterns help regulate the body's physiological responses, such as heart rate and blood pressure. Proper breathing can calm the mind and relax the body, reducing stress and promoting emotional balance.

3. Movement and Physical Exercise: Qigong involves gentle, flowing movements that promote flexibility, balance, and energy flow throughout the body. These movements stimulate blood circulation and energy (qi) and can release physical tension. The mind tends to follow suit as the body becomes more relaxed and flexible.

4. Energy Flow and Balance: Qigong aims to balance the body's energy (qi) by promoting smooth flow through the energy channels (meridians). This balance contributes to physical health and can positively impact mental and emotional well-being. Emotions are less likely to become stuck or overwhelming when energy flows smoothly.

5. Meditation and Visualisation: Qigong often incorporates meditation and visualisation techniques. Practitioners may focus their attention on specific body parts, energy centres, or visualisations of nature. This enhances mental clarity, cultivates calmness, and nurtures emotional resilience.

6. Intention and Mind-Body Connection: Qigong emphasises the power of intention. By focusing the mind on positive intentions and affirmations, practitioners can influence their mental and emotional states. This mind-body connection can lead to a sense of empowerment and greater emotional control.

7. Stress Reduction: Regular Qigong practice has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety. The relaxation response triggered by Qigong techniques counteracts the fight-or-flight response associated with stress. This stress reduction directly contributes to emotional well-being.

8. Harmonising Emotions: Through Qigong, individuals can learn to acknowledge and process their emotions without becoming overwhelmed by them. The meditative and mindful aspects of the practice create a space where one can observe and accept emotions without judgment, leading to emotional balance.

Overall, the combination of movement, breath control, meditation, energy flow, and intention in Qigong creates a comprehensive approach to harmonising the mind, body, and emotions. Regular practice of Qigong can help individuals develop a deeper understanding of themselves, enhance their emotional resilience, and promote a sense of well-being and balance in their daily lives.

Synergising Jing, Qi, Shen

In the context of Qigong (also spelled as "chi kung" or "qi gong"), "jing" refers to one of the three essential energies or components that make up the foundation of the human body and the universe. The three energies are often referred to as "San Bao" or the "Three Treasures." 

These treasures are Jing (essence), Qi (vital energy), and Shen (spirit or mind).

'Synergising Jing, Qi, Shen' means that two or more aspects of self collaborate to produce a combined effect more significant than the sum of their separate effects.

Qigong practices aim to cultivate, balance, and harmonise these three treasures to achieve optimal health, longevity, and spiritual growth. 

We can use the understanding and practices of Jing, Qi, and Shen to help prevent or slow down dis-ease and dysfunction and help deal with or overcome existing conditions and challenges.

Here are some principles and practices to help you synergise Jing, Qi, and Shen:

1. Understanding Jing, Qi, and Shen:

Jing (Essence): Jing is often associated with the physical body and its vital substances, including reproductive fluids and essence. It represents the material and foundational aspect of life force. In human beings, jing is closely linked to growth, development, and reproduction. It is considered the root energy from which the other energies arise.

Qi (Vital Energy): Qi is the life force or vital energy flowing through the body's meridians or channels. It is responsible for maintaining health, vitality, and overall well-being. Practising Qigong aims to enhance the flow and balance of qi within the body.

Shen (Spirit/Mind): Shen refers to a person's spiritual and mental aspects. It encompasses consciousness, emotions, and the mind. Cultivating shen involves achieving a state of mental clarity, emotional balance, and spiritual awareness.

Synergising them involves promoting balance and harmony among these elements to enhance overall well-being. 

2. Balanced Lifestyle:

   - Maintain a healthy lifestyle with proper nutrition, regular exercise, and adequate sleep to support the physical body (Jing). Exercise may be the single and most powerful agent we have freely available to combat illness and disease.

   - Practice stress management techniques like Qigong, meditation, mindfulness, or yoga to calm the mind and nurture emotional balance (Shen).

   - Cultivate mindfulness in your daily activities to stay present and aware of your Qi and Shen.

3. Mind-Body Practices:

   - Engage in mind-body practices like Qigong or Tai Chi to cultivate and balance your Qi. These practices involve gentle movements, breath control, and meditation to harmonise the flow of energy in the body.

   - Explore qigong, meditation and mindfulness techniques to enhance your Shen. These practices can help improve mental clarity, emotional stability, and a deeper connection to your spiritual self.

4. Herbal Medicine and Diet:

   - Consider consulting a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner for herbal remedies or dietary recommendations tailored to your specific imbalances in Jing, Qi, or Shen.

5. Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM):

   - Consider acupuncture or other TCM modalities to address imbalances in your energy (Qi) and overall vitality (Jing and Shen). These therapies are aimed at restoring the free flow of energy throughout the body.

6. Self-Care and Self-Reflection:

   - Regularly engage in self-reflection, journaling, or spiritual practices to nurture your Shen and promote a deeper understanding of your inner self.

   - Create a daily routine that supports your physical, mental, and spiritual health, allowing for balance and harmony among Jing, Qi, and Shen.

7. Seek Guidance:

   - If you're unsure about how to balance and synergise Jing, Qi, and Shen, consider consulting with a qualified practitioner of traditional Chinese medicine, a Qigong or Tai Chi instructor, or a meditation and mindfulness teacher.

Remember that the process of harmonising Jing, Qi, and Shen is a personal journey, and it may require patience and ongoing effort. The goal is to create a balanced and harmonious state of well-being that supports physical health, emotional stability, and spiritual growth.

For more information on practising synergising Jing, Qi and Shen see: https://fully-alive.co.uk/online-classes/energy-mastery/