Qigong | Colin O'Banion Physical Therapy

Qigong Classes

Classes are being held weekly in north Boulder.

Please contact me directly if you would like to join: colin@colinobanionconsulting.com

My Qigong Experience

I started practicing qigong over thirteen years ago. I can tell you first hand how it has transformed my life. I used to have chronic neck pain from numerous major injuries to my spine. And I would wake up with the typical stiffness and aches in various parts of my body related to being very active, not sleeping enough, stress, etc. Once I started practicing qigong consistently, all of this went away within 6-12 months, and has remained that way ever since. I have lived a very active, pain-free life for over a decade now, and my practice of qigong is one of the primary reasons for this. It is a fundamental pillar of the natural, holistic health framework I personally embrace and use clinically with many of my clients.

Many of us are looking for a practice that addresses the mind-body-spirit trinity.

Qigong combines meditation, mindfulness, movement, and stillness. It is rooted in nasal breathing, efficient posturing, relaxed unified movement, and the skill of building and moving energy. When done outdoors, it provides a beautiful opportunity with which to connect with nature. This is the perfect antidote to the fast-paced, overstimulating, stressful modern world in which we live.

Qigong is a traditional Chinese practice that involves the cultivation and balance of the body's vital energy, known as "qi" or "chi," and the alignment of physical and mental aspects of health. The word "qigong" itself is a combination of two Chinese words: "qi" (meaning "life force" or "vital energy") and "gong" (meaning "work" or "practice").Qigong encompasses a wide range of practices that include gentle movements, deep breathing exercises, meditation, and visualization techniques. These practices are designed to promote the flow of qi throughout the body's energy pathways (meridians) and to enhance physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.

Qigong compliments traditional western cardio and strength training with an alternative philosophy of movement.

It cultivates power, strength, flexibility, mobility, balance, agility, and efficiency of movement through linking movement to breath and learning to stay relaxed, fluid, and focused while exerting.

As a physical therapist, qigong is the best movement discipline I have found for rehabilitating injuries as well as preventing future ones, which is why I have used many exercises I have learned from qigong routines as well as the overall philosophy of movement as part of my practice for over twelve years now.

It is also a wonderful discipline around which to build community.

We train outside as much as possible, even during winter. I love practicing outdoors and always prefer it to indoors. Practicing qigong as the snow falls is an amazing experience. Anyone can drop into class at any point. Once we’ve established a small group of those that are interested in training regularly I will offer some more advanced practices where we learn routines and deeper insights into the practice.

Learn More About Qigong

Through the practice of qigong, I learned to properly breathe using my diaphragm and in and out of my nose, which has profound effects on every system of the body. I consider it a fundamental pillar of holistic health.

I learned to slow down, calm my mind, pay attention to the present moment, nurture patience and understanding, and be still. Though the movement of qigong (stretching, strengthening, balance, coordination) changed my physical body, this could not have happened without the meditative aspect of the practice. They are completely intertwined.

My regular practice has provided me with focused, consistent, quiet time to connect with my spiritual self. It’s like going to church for me. Training outdoors is my preference, ultimately allowing me to stack my exercise, meditation, breath work, spiritual connection, and nature connection all together. Herein lies the dynamic and profound essence of qigong.

Qigong is often considered the mother of Tai Chi.

For one to properly practice Tai Chi they must first know qigong. Qigong primarily focuses on cultivating and balancing the body’s vital energy (“qi”) through various exercises, breath control, and meditation. Its purpose is to enhance physical, mental, and spiritual well-being, reduce stress, improve vitality, and promote relaxation.

Tai Chi is a martial art form that incorporates qigong principles but places a greater emphasis on martial applications and self-defense. It also offers the benefits of balance, flexibility, strength, and relaxation; however, it includes self-defense applications and martial aspects. Tai Chi forms can be more complex and require a greater level of dedication and practice to master compare to qigong.

I have practiced Tai Chi as well, but I am much more proficient in qigong. Qigong is what I practice on a regular basis. For now, I will be teaching qigong. The class will be an open form where I will teach the fundamentals of breath and movement. People can join when they can and if you miss classes you won’t really fall too far behind as I will regularly revisit the basics each class.

Examples of how skills learned in qigong practice might translate into everyday life:

Improved sitting and standing postural awareness and capability
Improved technique and capability during exercise whether it’s in a sport, at the gym, at home
An arsenal of exercises to treat your aches and pains and injuries that arise
Improved potential for being present and appreciative of the people and environment around you
Improved potential to navigate life’s challenges with more patience, understanding, empathy, and mindfulness
Improved ability to enter deeper meditative states
Improved sleep
Retraining of healthy nasal, diaphragmatic breathing; this is the best way to manage stress during your day
Self reflection through quiet and mindfulness
Access to a new community of like-minded, like-hearted people