Qigong and the Ageless Woman

     In ancient China, in the time before the dynasties of kings, healers were said to be mature women, shamans with magical powers who came from the South. In fact, one of the original meanings of the ideogram for woman, “wu,” may have been “to heal.” Since the practice of Qigong originated prior to 500 BC, it is likely that older women were deeply involved in the inception of the art of cultivating Qi. This would explain why, in addition to its many other benefits, Qigong is so well-suited to the mature woman’s needs..

    In Traditional Chinese Medicine, it is believed that good health is achieved when there is a balance of yin and yang, the polar opposites that comprise every part of the natural world. Every human being is made up of a combination of yin and yang. Men’s energy is seen to be more yang ? outwardly-focused, hard, hot ? while women are typically more yin ? inward-looking, soft, cold, blood-deficient, and dry. Whatever our natural individual tendencies, the goal of Qigong practice for women is generally to balance our yin and yang. Building yang warms us, strengthens our blood, sparks our sexual energy, and even helps us to speak our minds and access a certain hard edge when necessary. On the other hand, when our yin is depleted, as it often can be when we juggle a multitude of demands, including career and family, Qigong helps us to nourish it. This helps us to soften and go inward, drawing on our natural feminine power. Because it balances emotions, promotes serenity, and strengthens the body, Qigong is key to healthful longevity.

     After thirty-five, there is no denying that our bodies change. Our skin can become less resilient, headaches and body aches may be more common, and hair and bones more brittle. Along with menopause, these physical changes and an increase in chronic pain can sometimes lead to depression and despair. Our hormones are changing, and we may experience low energy and a decline in our sexual drive. Hardly what we wish for in what are supposed to be our “golden years”! But when we diligently perform Qigong, the body’s aging process can be greatly reduced, even reversed. When we embrace the ancient practice of Qigong, our 35-plus years become the most vibrant, vital time of our lives. The power of Qi is amazing indeed, and when we learn to harness it, we flower into the sexy, powerful, vital mature women we were born to be. Qigong tones the mind, body, and spirit. Its results can seem miraculous.

     Besides its many physical benefits, practicing Qigong for just a short time on a daily basis gives you the fortitude to concentrate on your goals and achieve them. It develops your intuition and promotes peace of mind. It brightens your smile, helping you to look and feel younger, more graceful and even feel more hopeful.

     So, if you are like many of the women I see in my acupuncture practice, you want to avoid depression, sickness, and debility in the latter part of your life. Perhaps you want to heal from an existing disease and have a better quality of life. If are you ready to stop doing everything for everyone besides yourself, ready to nurture your mind, body and spirit on a profound new level, this exercise form is for you. Devote just twenty minutes a day to the gentle practice of Qigong and you can will create longevity, shining health, enjoyment and vital energy for yourself in what can truly be your golden years.