QiGong for mind, body and spirit

You’ve heard of yoga, meditation and chakras but have you heard of QiGong? It is an ancient, traditional exercise originating from China to maintain health and fitness, working from the inside out. Slow movements, conscious breathing, meditation and stillness are all elements of QiGong and an upcoming, free online class will show all about it.

“The term Qigong is made up of two words,” says physiotherapist and Qigong practitioner Agamemnon Myrianthopoulos, “Qi means life energy and gong means work or cultivation. QiGong is an integrated system of health, wellbeing and personal development. As a result, a great balance of body, mind and spirit can be achieved.”

The approach explores body and Qi awareness as a way to deepen our internal Qi flow through gentle movement and breathwork. Practising it is not a tricky task when you’ve got someone to guide you and this Saturday’s class is open to all. “QiGong doesn’t require physical strength or flexibility. It’s easy and it’s for everybody,” smiles Agamemnon. “Just try to be in a relaxed, natural state.”

QiGong aims to enhance the healing ability by releasing the flow of Qi energy through meridians in the body and internal organs, facilitating deep relaxation. It can help improve the body’s functions and is a natural self-healing process.

As a qualified physiotherapist and acupuncturist, encouraging movement, connecting with and understanding our body are all highly important to Agamemnon and he tries to pass this on to his workshop participants. “Movement, flexibility and the way we breathe determine our health and lowers the risk of getting sick or injured,” he says.

He has been practising QiGong with his teacher Aristotle Philis since 2017. Up to now, he has led numerous workshops and classes on this practice including some at the Mind, Body & Spirit Festival (MBS) which co-hosts the event on February 6 (5pm). It’s free to attend, there’s no preparation, all you’ve got to take is yourself. Register by sending a message to MBS’ Facebook page to get the link for Zoom and keep an eye out for more classes that will follow every Saturday by the festival team, all on wellbeing.

Free QiGong – Fire of Everlasting Life

QiGong class with Agamemnon Myrianthopoulos. February 6. On Zoom. 5pm-6pm. Free. Hosted by the Mind, Body & Spirit Festival