By : AiZhen (6 months into practising Zhineng Qigong)
 
Since end of last year, my old injury of muscle tension particularly around the cervical area intensified and as a chain reaction aggravated my gastric, sleeping disorder issues and I was frequently in a drowsy and awful mood.

I have gone for Orthopaedics, TCM and Acupuncture treatments but have not seen much progress. I was also given drug for muscle relaxation, but this only relieves me of the pain for a short while. After a period of struggling, I found a couple of ways to alleviate my ailments. One way is practicing Qigong.

I was first introduced to Zhineng Qigong by my brother-in-law. I was initially skeptical. I have heard of Qigong but had very little knowledge of it. My perception of Qigong is that it is a very slow pace exercise for the elderly only (Note my number is not too high in term of age but neither am I a teenager J). Since I have been seeking ways to solve my neck and other issues, and it was highly recommended by my brother-in-law, I thought I should give it a try.

The Zhineng Qigong method involves learning how to regulate ‘Chi’ through various postures. From head to toes, shoulders, arms, waist, pelvis, feet and even up to the smaller body parts of wrist, palms and fingers. After each class, I felt energized. My stiff neck and shoulders are more relaxed and as a result, my head movement is better. Most importantly, up in the head, my mind seems to be clearer. Without the constant drowsy feeling, I can work and think more effectively. My sleeping quality has improved. So has my appetite and you know what, I have put on slightly over 1 kg of weight.

I have also learned that proper posture is very important to a person’s health. I noticed that the flexibility of each of my body joint has also improved. My brother-in-law has also commented that he is not easily tired out as his stamina has improved.

Besides being thankful to my brother-in-law and sister for introducing and encouraging me to try Zhineng Qigong, I am grateful to my teacher - Mr Tan Eng King. He is a very experienced, dedicated and encouraging teacher who often explain things patiently and guide us on the proper steps to practicing Qigong. He has brought across to us that constant practising of Qigong will help the human body to heal itself.

Since I have benefited from practicing Qigong, I would like to spread its goodness to the younger generation to join in this exercise. Do not have the conception that this exercise is meant only for the aged and it is slow and boring.  Break away from your busy lifestyle. Practise Qigong for the benefit of strengthening the body, refining consciousness, regulating breath, releasing stress and maintaining mind and body calmness. Of course in whatever we do, perseverance and patience are needed. And Zhineng Qigong teaches that too!

AiZhen 愛珍/ September 2007

By : Irene Chua

For many years, I have experienced body aches and stiffness in my neck and shoulders. I have sought different ways to cure these aches and stiffness. To name a couple, I took painkillers for pain relief and also sought treatment using Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Though these methods did relief the pain, the aches and stiffness recurred after a few days.

In response to my complaints of body aches and stiffness, my friend recommended me to join the Zhineng Qigong Society where I took up Qigong. After completing 2 modules there, my condition improved substantially. The most effective exercise I personally feel is the head exercise, 'He Shou Long Tou Qi Chong Tian' which is practiced to relief neck aches and stiffness. Since I started regularly practising that exercise, I no longer experience stiffness in my neck and shoulders.

Thanks to my teacher, Mr Loi and Zhineng Qigong that I no longer experience such bad body aches and pains.

 

Irene Chua/October 2007