Find your balance with Qi Gong

The practice of Qi (chi) Gong focuses on gathering energy from different parts of the body.

According to Dr Fredrik Motz, who has studied Chinese medicine and martial arts, Qi Gong is an easy way to train your body to centre yourself.

He started the form in 1993 after the affect of a sports injury and said “it has been a great help” to him.

“The forms are practised to distribute energy throughout the body,” said Motz.

Motz is a registered homeopath and also does meditation. It was a natural step for him to introduce Qi Gong classes at the meditation centre.

His first class introduced the principals of the practice. Motz showed his first students how to feel the qi in their bodies by shaking their hands very close to one another, which produced a warm sensation around their fingers.

After a quick lesson on how Qi Gong worked, he showcased a form the class would learn over the next few weeks. He plans on expanding his knowledge on the benefits and history in his weekly classes.

“In the beginning practice of Qi Gong, the breath is not the focus. As you practice more regularly, the breathing is more part [of the process] and takes place in the movement,” said Motz.

Motz said the benefits of Qi Gong are great.

“It helps with a person’s vitality, wellness, and health, as well as clears the mind from clutter,” said Motz.

Motz said Qi Gong is part of the “integral life process and spreads through the body, mind, spirit and health”.

First time student Tania van Heerden was inspired by the lesson from Dr Motz, and said it was an “enlightening experience”.

“The practice was “similar to yoga and tai chi, but more gentle,” said van Heerden.

Classes are held on Tuesdays between 4.30pm and 5.30pm at the Nan Hua Meditation Centre.

The centre is based at 107 Eleventh Street, Parkmore, and operates between 9am to 5pm.

Details: Du Mann Ying at ying.dumann@gmail.com