Thought to have been created in China over 2,000 years Qigong is considered a collective
term for a long-established system of exercise which generally promote health and well-
being.
Qigong exercises can help individuals deal with a variety of particular issues,
whether related to health, mobility, fitness or calming the mind and spirit.
The two types of Qigong taught at CHC are from the Li system of health and martial arts
and are known as K’ai Men and Tao Yin.
K’ai Men (Open Door) exercises are sometimes called Taoist yoga and are a soft and
gentle exercise system. K’ai Men exercises are performed by coordinating movements
with the breath, by doing so the body is never put under any controlled stress. This in turn
allows the joints to open and flexibility to increase without strain. K’ai Men exercises
strengthen muscles, tendons, ligaments & bones, improves circulation, and also promotes
relaxation and well-being throughout the body.
There are about 400 K’ai Men exercises each having 5 variations so that each exercise
can tailored to improve the health and well being of the individual student. The Li system
has the most extensive collection of K’ai Men of any family system.
Tao Yin (Secret Island) is translated as Respiration Therapy. Performed in a similar way
to K’ai Men exercises Tao Yin have been used for centuries as therapeutic breathing
exercises designed to benefit specific ailments and to create and maintain harmony in the
organs of the body. The practise of Tao Yin can enhance the autonomic nervous system,
increase mental capacity & concentration, increase perception & intuition and lead to a
tranquil mind.
Qigong exercises can be adapted to suit the ability of the practitioner, even those with
significant disabilities. Their action creates a gentle improvement in the range of
movement without any stress or straining. As such they are beneficial for all age groups
and ability levels and, when properly adapted, particularly suitable for those for whom high
impact or aerobic exercise would not be recommended.
