Student's Corner: Qigong and Cardiovascular Exercise
A place for Questions, Comments, or Feedback April 2008
Question:
I am noticing that [with my Qigong practice] I don’t feel a desire for
additional exercise except outdoor walks. Please address the role of
cardiovascular exercise from the perspective of Taoist Qigong.
Answer:
A complete system of Qigong contributes to the health and well being of the
entire person, including their cardiovascular fitness. If you don’t feel the
need for additional exercise (which presumably you used to do) then you
probably have a pretty consistent Qigong practice established. For those new
to the practice of Qigong or those wishing to renovate their existing
practice, the following are a few guidelines to get you started.
A daily Qigong practice routine should include three parts: 1) vigorous movement, 2) gentle movement and 3) stillness. Vigorous movement includes routines like Hard Qigong, Taoist Running or Tai Chi Chuan’s Cannon Forms. These routines will typically raise the heart rate significantly. They can be chained together for an extended period of time or separated with a Regulating Qi movement. In the latter case it is similar to what we call interval training in the west. Most Qigong and Tai Chi forms fall into the category of gentle movement. They will still raise your heart rate and make you sweat, but are not as intense as the vigorous movement routines. Finally, stillness mediation is the Yin of movement’s Yang -- the body and mind rest. This can include standing or sitting meditation.
Despite its obvious physical benefits, Qigong works on many levels. All Qigong makes the Three Adjustments: Mind, Body, and Breath. The practices aim to balance the body’s organ systems, harmonize its energy, and unify the mind, body, and spirit.
Shawn Cartwright, TCCII Director, answered this month's questions. If you have a question you’d like to ask, feedback to give, or just want to share your experiences with Qigong, send us an email at: news@tccii.com