The Power of Qigong

With over 30 years of deep inner work, I explored various therapies including EMDR, Emotional Freedom Technique, Expressive Arts Therapy, 30 years of talk therapy, Accelerated Resolution Therapy and more. While all these modalities were helpful, I am a huge advocate of Qigong because it works! It helped rewire my nervous system and would immediately bring me from a state of anxiety to calm.  The practice has been the deepest healer of my life.  I'm in such a different place today and have landed strong.When I would get triggered and overwhelmed by suffering states, I would do Shaking Like a Tree and Tossing off Stagnant Chi constantly and consistently to discharge what I like to call "the issues in my tissues." With these simple tools under my belt, I could again and again use them to release trauma-related symptoms and recalibrate my body and nervous system.  

I absolutely know we have to bring tenderness and loving compassion to all of our emotions and parts of who we are and there are times when out of that compassion for self, we can release the weight of what we are holding on to.  Qigong can help us to do that.

Healing the Nervous System with QigongQigong is an ancient Chinese practice that involves movement, breath control, and meditation to cultivate and balance the body's vital energy, or "chi." One of the key benefits of Qigong is its ability to heal the nervous system. When our nervous system is overloaded with stress and tension, it can lead to anxiety, depression, and physical ailments. Qigong provides practical tools to release physical, mental, and emotional tension, promoting a state of calm and relaxation.Practical Tools for Everyday UseWhether you are at home, at work, or in the office, Qigong offers simple and effective exercises that you can incorporate into your daily routine. One such exercise is "Tossing off Stagnant Chi." This exercise helps to release pent-up tension in the body, difficult emotions, and even trauma-related symptoms.Exercise: Tossing off Stagnant ChiHere’s how you can practice "Tossing off Stagnant Chi":1. Find a comfortable stance with your feet shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent, and your fists at your belly.2. Think about what you need to release in this moment: Visualize the stagnant chi (energy) leaving your body as you release your arms up to the sky with a SIGH OF RELIEF or ANY SOUNDS that will help you discharge tension.3. Repeat again and again.  You can release your arms out to the sides and behind the body as well.  Watch the  video  above for a visual demo to practice along with.4. Trust your body and do this as many times as you'd like.  In Qigong, we always listen to our healer within.  

My Story

As someone who has experienced trauma and PTSD, I understand how challenging it can be to manage triggers and overwhelming emotions. In my 20s and 30s, I often found myself unable to focus because my nervous system was hijacked by anxiety. Through persistence and self-care, I discovered the healing power of Qigong. The practice of Shaking Like a Tree and Tossing off Stagnant Chi became my go-to techniques for discharging "the issues in my tissues."There are so many other exercises I use for different reasons—when I'm anxious, fatigued, in physical pain, and more. Qigong provides us with an incredibly effective toolbox of self-healing exercises to manage what comes up on both a physical and emotional level. This is where my passion lies: sharing these practices with others and inspiring people to use them to feel more grounded, empowered, and at ease in body, mind, and emotions.With these simple tools, I was able to release trauma-related symptoms and recalibrate my body and nervous system. I encourage you to watch the video and practice along with me. Use this exercise whenever you feel stressed, tense, anxious, or overwhelmed. Qigong is a powerful practice that can help release anxiety, pent-up tension, difficult emotions, and trauma-related symptoms. By incorporating exercises like Tossing off Stagnant Chi into your daily routine, you can promote healing and balance in your nervous system. I hope you find this practice as beneficial as I have. Enjoy the journey to a calmer, more relaxed you!

Lynne Nicole Smith is the Founder of Qigong Infused Yoga™ and facilitates Qigong Infused Yoga™ Trainings world-wide. Lynne created the Qigong Infused Yoga™ DVD and Streamable video for home practice.  

She values community practice and supporting others on their healing and health journey.  She leads online "Start Your Sunday with Qigong" classes open to people from around the world. If you'd like to try a class, your first one is completely free!  

Sign up for your free online Qigong class at www.qigonginfusedyoga.com/classes