Taiji Qigong Shibashi -18 easy movements to support your own Health from home

The Taiji (Tai Chi) Qigong Shibashi (18 movement)

is a modern Qigong form combining elements from the Yang form Taiji and more traditional breathing and movement exercises from Qigong. The routine combines slow, deliberate movements, meditation, and breathing exercises and can be done in one place (standing or seated). It is an excellent gentle exercise activity for beginners and people with health conditions.

A link is provided below for a follow-along video demonstration of Shibashi (filmed in mirror image by Geelong Chinese Medicine Clinic’s registered acupuncturist & herbalist and qualified Qigong instructor Paul Burns )

While the routines are not high intensity they are designed to help:

• circulation
• balance
• coordination
• provide gentle stretching
• exercise major joints, tendons, and muscles
• massage the major internal organs
• calm your mind and reduce stress
• and according to Chinese medicine theory, the movements stimulate the energetic meridian system and strengthen the Qi (vital energy).

One of the best features of Tai Chi and Qigong is that they can be adapted to fit just about any fitness level. Yes, you can modify/ shorten repetitions or not do the movements if they are not suited to your body/ injury. While the breathing & movement coordination is not described in the video, just go with what feels natural such as inhale on the lift / expand movements and exhale on the body contract / descend movements (Please stop if at any time you feel dizzy). As a beginner don’t stress yourself co-ordinating the breathing and movements, and always return to natural breathing if needed. The gentle, low-impact flowing movements are easy on the joints. You can even do the movements seated. Simply doing the gestures as a gentle exercise will bring about positive results, but it becomes more of Qigong when the person practicing becomes more actively aware of the mind and breath with the movements.

But check with your doctor first if you have any conditions such as:

• diabetes,
• circulation problems,
• post-surgery
• or if you take any medications that can make you dizzy when you change positions.

To see the follow along online video of the Taiji Qigong Shibashi click this link Taiji Qigong Shibashi