Alaska Institute of Oriental Medicine

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Tai Chi and QiGong (pronounced chee-gong) are Mind-Body exercises that originated in ancient China. They have been practiced by millions of people over the past several thousand years and are becoming increasingly popular in the West.

Neck & Low Back Pain QiGong is a short but powerful collection of movements assembled with the intent to exercise, stretch, and release the spine from top to bottom. I learned this particular QiGong from my bellydance instructor, who also practices Oriental Medicine, and I found it to be an effective warm-up for the whole body, particularly in the hips and low back region. Many QiGong forms have excellent spinal opening techniques, but this is one of my favorites.

Doing the movements slowly with slight resistance is best, as though you were moving through water. This will help ensure that you are taking deep enough breaths in the lower belly and using your core effectively. It is not unusual for people to start sweating or to grow very warm while doing these exercises - the movements warm and energetically nourish the kidneys, which get cold and frigid during the winter months especially. Some of the moves may be difficult at first - do be patient and kind to yourself.  

If something is outside your current limits, take it slower, do less of it, or do a variation that achieves a gentler release.  

Most of all, consistency is key: Doing a little bit a few times a week goes a long way.  

I sincerely hope you enjoy this QiGong.  Have a wonderful day!

~Brittany Russell  :-)