Below Byron Hillier answers some questions about his experience of practicing Qi Gong – one of the fundamental Chinese internal martial arts disciplines that aims to harness life force for health and longevity.
“To the mind that is still, the whole universe surrenders.” Lao Tzu
About Qi Gong
Q: What does Qi Gong mean and where does it come from?
Qi (chi, prana, ki) is often known as vital energy, life force or simply energy, but in Chinese medicine is literally translated as vapour, air or gas. Gong is the work or art, and is considered in relation to the time it has taken to master the art. Like Gong Fu, Qi Gong takes time and discipline to build a strong foundation and a depth in your practice.
Q: What principles and philosophy is Qi Gong based on?
The basis of Qi Gong is an understanding of the life force (qi) that is within and around us. The practice increases our awareness and relationship to that force around us, and our connection to our environment. Through the practice of Qi Gong we are then able to harmonise our internal environment, our flow of qi and emotions, our awareness of our organs and our balance of yin and yang.
Q: What do you think are the main benefits of practicing Qi Gong?
Qi gong has been shown to benefit our health in numerous ways. Personally, I feel its widespread benefits are really hard to to reduce into simple categories, yet notable are the immediate calming of the mind and activating of the vagus nerve.
Other notable benefits include:
- Improved mobility and function of muscles and joints
- Improved sleep and reduced stress
- Improved health and function of our internal organs
- Improved vascular function and circulation
- Enhanced immunity
Q: Can anyone learn Qi Gong? Can it help anyone at any stage of their life?
Qi Gong is really for everyone including the elderly and those with chronic conditions or physical issues. It is said that middle age is the best time to learn as they generally make the best students, but I started when I was young, loved it and still love it.
Q: Is there a recommended time to practice Qi Gong?
Dawn and dusk are the best times to practice Qi Gong. These are the sweet times of the day that are gentle on light and environment as the day pivots into the night and the night awakens into the day. Dawn practice prepares us for the day ahead, setting our internal world to navigate the exterior world. Dusk practice allows the days tensions to drop away, preparing us for an evening of calm.
Byron’s Qi Gong Practice
Q: How did you first find out about Qi Gong?
I first encountered Qi Gong when I was about nineteen – early int0 my studies in Chinese medicine. I was extremely inspired and intrigued by this system and pursued training under Geoff Sweeting and his uncle Roy Jenzen. This led me to dive further into the exploration of Chinese internal arts and undertake my training in the arts of Hsing-I Chuan and Ba Gua Zhang under both Geoff Sweeting and Shifu Wang Tong in Beijing. These are both systems of classical internal martial arts, of which there are three traditional systems – Tai Qi Chuan, Hsing-I Chuan and Ba Gua Zhang. Through this training I joined the direct lineage of the Liang Zhen Pu school of Ba Gua Zhang.
Q: How many years have you been practicing?
I have now been practicing Qi Gong and internal arts for nearly 25 years.
Q: How has Qi Gong been of benefit to you in your life?
I personally find Qi Gong offers a beautiful system of stillness, movement, meditation and grounding. It’s a practice that has become part of my life and helped me hold my centre and navigate my way.
Q: Do you have a favourite practice or technique?
I have so many favourites, but the practice itself is my favourite.
Q: Do you teach it or plan to teach it? When and where?
After many years of being asked to start teaching, I am now launching a Qi Gong program through the clinic at Noosa Holistic Health, as well as some retreat programs to be announced soon.
Introduction to Qi Gong – 3 Class Series, beginning in June
Byron will guide you through an uplifting and deeply grounding beginner Qi Gong program to improve your health and wellbeing and to help you to stay on top of life’s challenges.
- Wednesday nights 6pm on 15, 22, 29 June, 2022
- Where: Noosa Holistic Health, Seminar Room, 35 Mary St Noosaville QLD
- Cost: $95 on booking
- What to wear & bring: loose comfortable clothing for exercise, water bottle
- Bookings are essential – spaces are limited to 8-10 people only. Phone us on 07 5449 7088 to secure your spot!
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