Pocket Wellness: Qi Gong for Beginners

Today's connected lifestyles offer convenience while fostering modern ailments—ranging from burnout and anxiety to issues associated with prolonged hours at our desks and endless scrolling on our mobile phones.

 

The search for overall wellbeing has never been as vital as it is today. Ancient wisdom offers a compelling answer: Qi Gong, a 5,000-year-old practice deeply rooted in Chinese tradition.

 

Stephanie Hoo, a certified Qi Gong practitioner based in Bali and teaching a five-day Masterclass at COMO Shambhala this month, walks us through her powerful journey of self-discovery and healing.

How did you get started in Qi Gong?

 

I have always felt a deep connection to my Chinese heritage and been fascinated with this ancient healing practice. In 2017, my life took an unexpected turn when doctors discovered a mysterious mass on my ovary. In that same week, a course on Medical Qi Gong appeared in my inbox, and I followed my intuition.

 

Within a year, the mass had totally disappeared. Along with it, the complete recovery from my 14-year struggle with PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) and hormonal imbalance. It was the integration of various holistic practices that enabled me to self-heal from a condition that defied the conventional medical route. Qi Gong was an essential part of my daily routine, combined with clinical aromatherapy protocols, a plant-based diet, bioenergy treatments and more.

 

What is the concept behind Qi Gong? How is Shi Ba Shi Qi Gong, the method you teach, unique compared to other Qi Gong styles?

 

Qi Gong combines gentle movements, breathing techniques, proper postures, and mindfulness to harmonise the body's qi, our life force energy. When we optimise the flow of qi, the body's innate healing mechanisms are strengthened—reducing pain, inflammation, and fortifying resistance against illness and disease.

 

The Shi Ba Shi Qi Gong is a medical-based set, with 18 exercises that address various health conditions, body and organ functions. I personally enjoy the flowing nature of this set as we weave from one exercise to the next.

What are some of the most profound benefits that you or your students have experienced from practising Qi Gong?

 

Consistent practice over the years has enabled me to overcome several mental and emotional challenges. By cultivating inner awareness, I was able to gain a deeper insight into understanding my body, emotions, and energy.

 

Many of my students have tapped into a deep source of strength and serenity, experienced greater mobility with their joints, reduction in pain levels, enhanced immune function, and improved breathing capacity. Qi Gong has helped them overcome depression and operate with a deeper understanding of themselves.

 

How does this 5,000-year-old practice fit into our modern lives today?

 

The flowing movements of Qi Gong loosen joints, stretch muscles, and promote balance and coordination. The practice promotes relaxation and stress reduction, resulting in a calmer mind and improved mental wellbeing.

 

By doing just five minutes of Qi Gong movements any time of the day at the office or at home, you can greatly enhance mental performance or maintain a more balanced state of mind.

 

For those who are curious about Qi Gong and attending your masterclass, what is the one thing you hope they will take away from the experience?

 

The day I walked into my first Qi Gong training class, my life was forever changed. If there's one take away that I hope people will get is to experience their own powerful energy that is inherent within.

 

 

Stephanie Hoo’s five-day Masterclass at COMO Shambhala Singapore runs from 26 to 30 June. Beginners are welcome and no prior experience is necessary.

 

Save your spot and discover a more balanced, harmonious you.