For thousands of years Chi Kung, also known as Qi Gong has been practiced in China as a way to strengthen the body, calm the nervous system and still the mind. While for many hundreds of years these energy practices were held in strict secrecy, they have recently been popularized and made available to the public. And while Chi Kung may seem too simple to have any effect on the body and mind, as many are still poses, within the body tremendous changes are taking place. Today I want to discuss Chi Kung as it can be very beneficial for those suffering from mental illness.
Chi Kung is an exercise that anyone can practice regardless of age or health condition. Chi Kung literally means ‘energy exercise’. And what is so incredible about Chi Kung for people with mental illness is its effect on the central nervous system. Chi Kung can act to pacify and soothe the central nervous system. It does this when one simultaneously exerts energy and strength to hold the body in position while at the same time uses the mind to relax the body to hold that position. This has a uniquely beautiful and pleasurable effect that only experience can describe.
Mental illness is closely related to how the nervous system functions. This is true because trauma responses are imprinted on our nervous system. When we are going through episodes of depression, hypomania, mania or psychosis the nervous system is over active and this makes it impossible to remain centered. Chi Kung has the beautiful effect of integrally relaxing the body, nervous system, mind, and spirit.
There is a form of Chi Kung that most begin their practice with called the 8 Pieces of Brocade. The 8 Pieces of Brocade is a series of 8 simple exercises that are performed 8 to 16 times each accompanied with a specific breathing pattern. The word Brocade is used to describe what one will feel after getting accustomed to the practice. Brocade means ‘silken’, and when one builds up enough momentum from practicing this form of Chi Kung one’s energy will feel just that, silky, like a smooth cloth. Words can only partially describe how beautiful and pleasurable this way of existing feels. In a sense it is a greater experience of Reality.
For best results with the 8 Pieces of Brocade one should practice them every day, first thing in the morning and do so outside. Going through all 8 exercises is the perfect warm up to stand in one or more of the standard Chi Kung positions. There are many books on Chi Kung and the 8 Pieces of Brocade, however my suggestion would be to follow from Master Lam Kam Chuen as taught in his excellent book The Way Of Energy, Mastering the Chinese Art of Internal Strength with Chi Kung Exercise. This priceless book will take one through all the standing forms and the 8 Pieces of Brocade in a safe way. While learning these 8 exercises it may be helpful to refer back and forth to the book with each proceeding exercise until they are completely memorized.
In Conclusion, Chi Kung is an excellent and safe form or exercise that anyone can practice to feel calm, gain more peace, and stay centered. It does require some effort and consistency to experience the benefits of Chi Kung, but it is definitely worth it. Once one becomes accustomed to the practice and starts getting results they will feel propelled to continue. Chi Kung has the potential to restore the nervous system, thereby soothing some of the trauma responses associated with mental illness.
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Mentally Sound 