Length 18.58 mins

What is Qi Gong?

Qi Gong is a gentle form of exercise that has been practised in China for centuries for health and wellbeing. ‘Qi’ can be described as energy and ‘gong’ is practicing or working with, so Qi Gong can be thought of as a practice which gently supports, strengthens, opens and energises the body. These movements are a kind of moving meditation which also calm and balance the mind.

What happens in a Qi Gong class?

Qi Gong exercises are practised either standing or sitting down according to your capacity. If you need a chair, a simple kitchen type chair without arms is best. You are invited to wear loose, comfortable clothing.  

These gentle movements are generated from the centre of balance in your body located in the abdomen. The feet are kept flat on the floor and the practice is done with a soft, relaxed gaze.

You can start by practising with smaller movements with the arms, if you have any restrictions in your movement after breast surgery, do not push or force your body where there are any restrictions in your movement. You are invited to do each movement in any easy manner and take as much time as you need to build up to the full sequence, resting as you need to.

This Qi Gong sequence can be practised daily. 

What do I need?
Wear loose comfortable clothing and find carpeted floor or mat that is comfortable to stand on. You can have bare feet, socks, flat heeled soft shoes or even trainers for this practice.

Caution You should not attempt these exercises in the first six weeks post breast-surgery and you should have completed your post operative exercises from the hospital. This video may not be suitable if you have problems with your scar healing, worsening pain, or a seroma; in these cases, please speak to your healthcare professional before your start. Some pulling or stretching during exercises is normal, but only go as far as you comfortably can and use the described modifications to avoid getting any pain.