Qigong to Release Stress

Dropping stress and unnecessary tension, so that your chi can flow better. SWINGING ARMS The classic warmup to ease out the spine and get everything moving. Relax the arms completely, so that all movement comes from the turn of the waist. Loose fists knock on the lower back and belly, and then on the lung points at the front of the shoulders. UPPER BODY CHI FLOW This beautiful move opens the chest, shoulders, upper back and neck, all places where we tend to store tension. Inhale, bringing fresh energy from the earth. Exhale and compress it in front of the heart. Holding the breath, bring your hands round to the back of the neck. Inhale and stretch up to the sky. Exhale and release your arms out and down, releasing any tension. ROLLING THE CHI BALL If you like you can imagine you are holding a ball of energy or a ball of light - whatever feels comfortable. Then se your palms to roll it in front of you, and out to either side. The whole body is involved here. This practice relaxes the body and allows the chi to flow freely and smoothly. Chi moves like water, and flows best when you're relaxed, so enjoy the movement and you will be doing it right! DRAWING THE BOW This move strengthens the legs and opens the upper back, chest and shoulders. The opening and closing of the arms pulses the chi through the system and releases tension and blocked areas. Again, move at your own pace and find what feels good here - you're looking to feel strong and stable in the legs and relaxed and graceful in the arms. Inhale as you open the chest and arms, and exhale as the arms come in and the upper back rounds. PUSHING CHI IN FOUR DIRECTIONS Sometimes we can only let go of our tensions when our structure is strong enough. This move is from Shaolin Iron Shirt Qigong. It stabilises the core and encourages the chi to flow strongly and freely. Inhale as the hands extend out, and exhale as they come in to the heart. BRINGING DOWN THE HEAVENS Use each outbreath here to release. Really feel the body relax as you exhale. Inhale, bringing earth energy up through the body. Exhale and release. Inhale to gather heavenly energy. Exhale to let it shower through you, washing away any remaining tension. Thanks for practising with me. I was so relaxed after this session. I hope you're feeling good too! If you enjoyed this, great! Please do like, share and subscribe. Thank you :) ABOUT AMANDA I've been meditating and practising tai chi and qigong for 25 years now. I love to share these techniques - they are truly awesome.