From work meetings to learning DIY house repairs to exercise classes, the pandemic—along with developments in tech—have encouraged us to move a lot of our day-to-day activities online. With this transition to online learning, I am often asked: Can you do Qigong online? What are the benefits of practicing at home versus in person? What kind of resources are out there? Today’s blog post is a short guide for anyone who might be interested to try Qigong at home.
Can you learn Qigong online?
Yes! So long as you tune into your breath and have a place to meditate, Qigong can be practiced anywhere, at home or outside, which makes it perfect for online learning. There are a range of online formats to choose from, including recorded tutorials, live classes, live webinars, and recorded webinars. With so many different options, you can easily find a class that works best for you and your schedule. When and where you want to practice is also up to you. In this way, online Qigong is adaptable, and the internet has made Qigong widely accessible to a greater range of people.
Learning Qigong online is great if you are looking for a flexible way to exercise. If you are starting out as a beginner or just want to explore different ways to practice Qigong or add to your Yoga practice, an online format is a great way to start right now. Here at Qigong Awareness, we offer all of these formats: Recorded Webinar, Online Course: 21 Day Qigong Challenge for Beginners, and a live class for those that would like to visit us in person in Wilmington, NC.
Even Medical Qigong, which is a form of Traditional Chinese Medicine, can be practiced online. At Qigong Awareness, we offer private Medical Qigong sessions on the phone or Zoom for those seeking healing for physical, mental, or emotional issues or illnesses. Medical Qigong Master David J. Coon will meet with you to discuss your specific medical or health needs and work with you to help balance your energy. We also offer monthly group distance Medical Qigong Healing sessions called Distance Healing Program, open to people as well as pets. Whatever you are looking for, we are here to help!
What are the benefits of doing Qigong online?
Practicing Qigong online offers flexibility, from what type of teacher or class is right for you to when and where to practice. Some people prefer to watch a recorded tutorial so they can practice at their own pace or to playback specific parts of the exercise. Others prefer live online classes, so they can practice in the comfort of their own home while still interacting with the instructor and other practitioners. The video format is helpful for visualizing the forms and movements in a way that could be harder with, say, a book. No matter what platform you choose, online Qigong brings together a vibrant, active community of people from around the world.
Do I need any special equipment to do Qigong? How can I learn it at home?
No special equipment is needed for Qigong, and you can practice anywhere, so long as you are able to meditate and move. However, if you have injuries or restrictions on movement, many of the exercises can also be done sitting down or through visualization. Qigong is suitable for learning in a variety of environments, whether at home, in a studio, or outdoors—wherever suits your needs best.
Is there a best time of day to do Qigong?
Many people like to practice Qigong at sunrise or in the morning as a way to start the day fresh. Others prefer to practice in the afternoon or evenings as a way to wind down. There is no correct time to do Qigong. However, many of the benefits are gained with steady, regular practice, so it can be helpful to choose a regular time that works for your schedule.
How often should I practice?
How often you can practice Qigong depends on what is right for you, but we recommend starting by practicing in small increments regularly. Even just ten minutes a day makes a huge difference! Regular practice helps form a habit and set the rhythm for sustained, long-term benefits. Based on this idea, we’ve started a beginner’s Qigong program called the 21 Day Challenge, where we invite you to practice 10 minutes a day for 21 days. You will learn three different 10-minute flows in this program and will be able to easily build momentum. Many students are inspired after completing this 21 day program and notice that they have more energy, a greater sense of calm throughout their day, and the ability to take deeper breaths. With breath comes all possibilities for healing and improvement in our general well-being and state of mind. The time of day is up to you, and you do not have to do them in a row if you prefer to skip a day—but we encourage you to stick with it!
Can Qigong be self-taught?
In short, yes! Because Qigong is an art of cultivating Qi and teaches different exercises, we recommend you check out a class or tutorial to learn the movements and begin a regular practice. We have many ways for you to access online courses so that you can learn by yourself with the support of Master Instructor(s) through videos, webinars, and online courses.
If you are interested in learning more these links may be helpful:
- All Online Courses
- 21 Day Beginner Challenge
- Free! Check Us out on YouTube
- Free! Join the online community on Facebook
- Free! See Our Upcoming Free Events
David’s Video: “Can I Learn Qigong Online? Is There A Best Time Of Day To Do Qigong?”
See our YouTube channel for more video content.
