Through Wing Chun Kung Fu training, I discovered the "Art of Qigong".
Qi is the Chinese word for "life energy" that flows through all living things, and Gong means "work" or benefits acquired through perseverance and practice. Qigong ( pronounced Chi-Gong ) means literally "working with the energy of life", is an integrated mind-body healing method that has been practiced with remarkable results in China for thousands of years. It is a holistic system of self-healing exercise or artform consisting of movement and meditation.
In the early 1990's Sifu ( Teacher ) talked about a new system of healing, which he planned to teach in addition to Wing Chun Kung Fu. The subject was completely alien to me, but nevertheless, I was encouraged by Sifu to train in Qigong to improve my health.
I suffered from migraines, sinusitis, a left knee problem from a previous injury, and druring the initial period of practicing Qigong, I went through a difficult phase in that I became more ill with migraines, my sinusitis worsened and my left knee became inflamed, which made it painful to walk.
However, I knew that the energy was trying to penetrate through the blockages, so that the illness had to become worse before it got better, and that's exactly what happened.
Qigong plays an active role in preventing and treating diseases, protecting and strengthening health, preventing premature senility and prolonging life. This is why in ancient times Qigong was called the method to "Eliminate diseases and prolong life".
The daily practice of Qigong exercises and meditation builds up Qi and keeps the body in balance. The movements stimulate acupuncture points making the energy in the body flow to release negative Qi, while at the same time gathering and storing positive Qi.
Within 18 months of practicising Qigong, I felt great improvement in my health and well being. I can enjoy all sorts of food and drink without restrictions, and one of the results of Qigong practice that fascinated me was that at times I could, and still do, see the aura of trees and humans.
I then realised that the effectiveness of Qigong is something which one can neither describe or discuss unless one actually experiences it oneself by practising. In the beginning patience and discipline is needed during practice.
I know that by practising Qigong everyday, it continues to help me to improve my health by enabling me to cope better with daily life by having more stamina and energy. It makes me feel more alert and relaxed. It also enables me to cope better with pressure at work, and helps me get through various difficulties by increasing my energy level.
Qigong exercises are an excellent way of keeping fit and improving health overall, as each one of us can learn to enhance our vitality by cleansing, releasing, gathering and circulating Qi, so that it reaches all the body cells. It is suitable for young, old, weak or strong. Everyone can benefit, and it has been described as a process of "self re-juvenation".
In November 1991, I participated in the final series of the "A-Z of Chinese Medicine" which was featured in the Observer magazine. They were looking at the technique of Qigong, a system of meditational exercises used to teach physical and spiritual harmony. Later that year, Combat Magazine published my case study in Qigong.
In early 1992, I left The Wing Chun Martial Arts Academy to continue my journey for further research into the Qigong training.
In late 1994, I enrolled myself at The Qigong Centre, whilst simultaneously keeping in touch with my Wing Chun training.
In 1997, I was Qigong Assistant Instructor, based in London, under the Qigong Centre.
In November 1999, I conducted a Qigong workshop for nurses in the London Clinic for 3 months. I received positive feedback from staff who found Qigong movements subtle and soothing, and the meditation calming. Staff with neck and back problems, insomnia and arthritis, felt the benefits of Qigong. Their pain and discomfort were reduced and their body posture, movement and flexibility improved. They felt more relaxed, energetic, and able to sleep.
I was asked by the Editor of the Nursing Standard magazine to write an article called "Making Time Campaign". This aimed to help nurses achieve a healthy balance between life and work, and the article was featured in the "Nursing Standard" in November 1999.
In March 2000, I opened my first school in Chiswick, West London, under The Qigong Centre, hoping to pass on my knowledge and skills in both Qigong and Wing Chun. Later that year in November, during a National Stress Awareness Day, I conducted a workshop for nurses and office staff at the London Clinic. I felt very honoured that my name appeared in the News column of the "Nursing Standard".
April 2005 was a turning point for the Chiswick School, as we left The Qigong Centre and amalgamated with The Wing Chun School.
In October 2005 The Qigong School was born. This is going to be a long journey and I welcome it's beginning. The Qigong School is still linked with The Wing Chun School as a family.
I would like to end by saying that although I cannot help every one of the multitude of human beings in this world, my aim is to try and help as many people as I can on their journey to becoming healthy, full of vitality, and in attaining longevity and tranquility. The Chinese have a saying that "Good health is the root of happiness".
Students Personal Experience of Qigong - Qigong Articles - Gallery - Links
All images and content ©The Qigong School 2006