Qigong for Asthma

Qigong for Asthma

For any of you who have ever suffered with an asthma attack, bronchitis or shortness of breath you will understand how these conditions can very quickly create a sense of panic, anxiety and fear. When we can’t breathe properly this is scary! Once we have experienced that fear inducing feeling then we may mistrust the breath and worry about when the next “attack” will happen. I think you’ll agree that this is not a situation anyone should have to tolerate. That’s why I created the video on this page for you today; to help you learn some simple methods of Qigong for asthma and breathing difficulties.

Janice Tucker is a practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Medical Qigong. She is also the founder of the Space To Relax online programme of Qigong video lessons.

Please head over to YouTube to subscribe to my YouTube channel by clicking the red “Subscribe” button. That way you won’t miss my regular videos which are full of useful health enhancing tips. These videos will help you to enhance your health and prevent illness from arising in the first place. Also please give this video a “Like” if you found it informative.

The Negative Consequences of Breathing Difficulties

In Traditional Chinese Medicine the Lung and the Kidney system govern the mechanism of breathing. When these systems are compromised a range of breathing difficulties may develop such as asthma, bronchitis or simply shortness of breath. Obviously when we can’t catch our breath this can generate a sense of fear, anxiety and panic, leading to more shallow breathing and even more fear, anxiety and panic! Methods of Qigong for asthma and breathing difficulties not only help to physically strengthen your lung and kidney systems but also to mentally focus your mind, not on the blockage or the problem, but on the FREE FLOW OF BREATH into the lower abdomen. The 4 tips below will help you address both the physical and mental aspects to overcoming asthma and breathing difficulties.

My 4 Top Methods of Qigong for Asthma and Bronchitis

1. Abdominal Breathing. By meditating on the breath you will find that your breathing becomes more open, free flowing and easy. Focus on the positive, i.e. unobstructed, open, free flowing breath in and out of the body, NOT on the negative obstructed air flow. The more you focus on the negative, the more it will be manifest! Practice abdominal breathing as shown in a previous video I made. Click here to watch it.

2. Posture. Think of the top of your head being suspended from the sky or ceiling. There is length in the back of your neck, achieved by tucking the chin back towards the throat. Sit or stand up straight to create length in the sides of the body and lower back area. This creates more space for the lungs. See my previous video on Qigong Stance.

3. One of the Six Healing Sounds for ridding the Lung system of waste Qi and strengthening immunity. This method can be found in my previous video on Qigong for Immunity.

4. To strengthen the Kidney system follow along with the Looking Back Over Shoulder method in my previous video about Qigong For Back Pain.

Where Can I Learn More?

If you would like to learn even more benefits of Qigong for asthma and breathing difficulties then:

1. Head over to my Space To Relax homepage. There you can sign up for a free 3 part video series of Qigong lessons. Once you’ve completed the free series you’ll have the opportunity to join my Space To Relax online membership programme of Qigong video lessons. This will allow you to take your practice to a whole new level where you will learn many exercises to eliminate health issues before they become a major problem. I’ll guide you step by step through many more effective Qigong methods, all which will help if you have breathing difficulties because all Qigong methods involve mindful, regulated breathing.

2. Subscribe to my YouTube channel by clicking the red “Subscribe” button. That way you won’t miss my regular videos which are full of useful health enhancing tips. Also please give this video a “Like” and share with me in the comments box what you learned from this video.

3. Join my free Facebook group, “Space To Relax Free Qigong Group” and leave any comments or questions for me there. I’ll be happy to answer them. Also, by joining this group, you will receive regular posts of Qigong articles and videos with really useful tips about how to use Qigong to improve your state of health.

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Qigong For Tremors

Qigong For Tremors

Do you suffer with tremors in your body or know anyone that does? Do you have or know anyone with Parkinson’s Disease? If so, the video on this page is just for you. You’ll learn how to use Qigong for tremors in your body associated with either essential tremor or Parkinson’s Disease.

Janice Tucker is a practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Medical Qigong. She is also the founder of the Space To Relax online programme of Qigong video lessons.

Please don’t forget to do to YouTube to subscribe to my YouTube channel by clicking the red “Subscribe” button. That way you won’t miss my regular videos which are full of useful health enhancing tips. These videos will help you to enhance your health and prevent illness from arising in the first place. Also please give this video a “Like” if you found it informative.

Tremors In Terms of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)

Tremors in TCM terms are often due to the lack of smooth flow of Qi (energy) in the body. The Liver and Kidney systems are primarily involved along with what is termed “Internal Wind”. Essential Tremor and Parkinson’s Disease are not the same thing, however we can employ Qigong methods to help manage the tremors resulting from both conditions.

Qigong for Tremors – Reduction

There are many simple methods of Qigong for tremors and their reduction. All Qigong methods generally help to smooth the flow of energy throughout the body, opening up the pathways of Qi flow so that they become unobstructed. Of particular use are Qigong methods which focus on balancing the function of the Liver and Kidney systems and clear Internal Wind.

Qigong for Cleansing

This method of Qigong for tremors rids waste or turbid Qi from the body (including Internal Wind) and can therefore help to reduce shaking in the body. You can learn this method in a previous video I made, Qigong for Cleansing.

Qigong Circles Method

This method moves your Qi in all four directions (up, down, in and out) and so has a strong effect on promoting unobstructed Qi flow, allowing the body to bring itself back into balance. It’s very easy and suitable for beginners. Click here to watch the video.

Stretching

The Liver system is related to the tendons in TCM. Any exercise which stretches the tendons (and muscles) will help to smooth the flow of Qi throughout the Liver system, improving its function and thereby helping to reduce tremors. Refer to these two previous videos for some simple stretches to follow along with:

A Qigong Stretch for Athletes – not only for athletes but for anyone who wants to stretch and smooth the flow of Qi from the lower back down the backs of the legs.

A Simple Qigong Stretch – this stretch opens up the chest and upper back.

Exhale the Negative With Qigong Breathing

You can use Qigong breathing to exhale anything you don’t want in your body or mind (physical or mental). Use the method here to exhale the tremor. Try it for 10 minutes and compare how you feel before and after the exercise. Click here to watch a previous video of this method in more detail.

Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine for Tremor Reduction

Both Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine can also be effective in the relief of tremors. Read one of many research articles on how helpful acupuncture can be in managing tremors by clicking here.

Where Can I Learn More?

If you would like to learn even more benefits of Qigong for healthcare and the reduction of tremors then:

  1. Head over to my Space To Relax homepage. There you can sign up for a free 3 part video series of Qigong lessons. Once you’ve completed the free series you’ll have the opportunity to join my Space To Relax online membership programme of Qigong video lessons. This will allow you to take your practice to a whole new level where you will learn many exercises to eliminate health issues before they become a major problem. I’ll guide you step by step through many more effective methods of Qigong for tremors and their reduction.
  1. Subscribe to my YouTube channel by clicking the red “Subscribe” button on the YouTube website. That way you won’t miss my regular videos which are full of useful health enhancing tips. Also please give this video a “Like” and share with me in the comments box what your kids thought of the two methods in the video.
  1. Join my free Facebook group, “Space To Relax Free Qigong Group” and leave any comments or questions for me there. I’ll be happy to answer them. Also, by joining this group, you will receive regular posts of Qigong articles and videos with really useful tips about how to use Qigong to improve your state of health.

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Qigong For Children

Qigong For Children

If you have children you will know that they are balls of energy! They are always running around and sometimes it can be difficult to get them to calm down so that they can focus without distraction on schoolwork and get off to sleep at night. Children love learning Qigong, and if you teach your kids in a certain way, they will think it’s magic! This is what you’ll learn from me in the video on this page; some fun Qigong for children.

Janice Tucker is a practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Medical Qigong. She is also the founder of the Space To Relax online programme of Qigong video lessons.

Please got to YouTube to subscribe to my YouTube by clicking the red “Subscribe” button so you don’t miss my regular videos which are full of useful health enhancing tips. These videos will help you to enhance your health and prevent illness from arising in the first place. Also please give this video a “Like” if you found it informative.

Why Use Qigong For Children?

The movements involved in Qigong exercises can help children to quickly improve their balance, flexibility, coordination, strength, agility, stamina and muscle tone.

The meditative aspects of Qigong can help children to reduce anxiety and worry, calm their minds, improve focus and concentration, release tension and improve mental clarity.

Two Qigong Methods For Children

The two simple methods below will be a good introduction for your children to Qigong. Teach them these methods first and then move on to the methods in my free 3 part Qigong video series (more details below).

Movement

Ask them to hold hands out in front of them at shoulder level with elbows straight. Make fists and then open and close quickly. Do this as fast as they can without losing tension. They often think this is good fun to try to move as fast as possible. This moves lots of Qi into the hands.

Next hold palms facing each other and close eyes. Move hands towards and away from each other slowly. Feel anything between the hands. Often they will feel some “resistance” or a “magnetic feeling” like the hands are being pulled together. They can also feel tingling, like their hands are swollen, heat and many other sensations. This is the Qi they are feeling in and between their hands. Children think this is magic!

Meditation

Ask children to lie on the floor with eyes closed. Place one hand flat on their belly. Breathe in and out through the nose feeling the belly rise as they inhale in and sink as they exhale. Encourage them to focus on the hand that is on the belly and to feel it moving up towards the ceiling and down towards the floor. Ask them to observe how they feel after doing this for 5 minutes. They should be calmer, more relaxed and at ease. For a full description of how to do Abdominal Breathing click here.

Where Can I Learn More?

If you would like to learn even more benefits of Qigong for children then:

  1. Head over to my Space To Relax homepage. There you can sign up for a free 3 part video series of Qigong lessons. You can complete these three lessons with your children. Once you’ve completed the free series you’ll have the opportunity to join my Space To Relax online membership programme of Qigong video lessons. This will allow you and your kids to take your practice to a whole new level where you will learn many exercises to eliminate health issues before they become a major problem. I’ll guide you step by step through many more effective Qigong methods which you can use for the benefit of the whole family.
  1. Subscribe to my YouTube channel by clicking the red “Subscribe” button. That way you won’t miss my regular videos which are full of useful health enhancing tips. Also please give this video a “Like” and share with me in the comments box what your kids thought these two methods of Qigong for children.
  1. Join my free Facebook group, “Space To Relax Free Group” and leave any comments or questions for me there. I’ll be happy to answer them. Also, by joining this group, you will receive regular posts of Qigong articles and videos with really useful tips about how to use Qigong to improve your state of health.

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Qigong For Sleep Problems

Qigong For Sleep Problems

Do you ever wake up feeling as though you’ve been run over by a bus? I do, but thankfully not very often. We all know the feeling of having suffered a terrible night’s sleep.  We feel exhausted both physically and mentally. We may also feel anxious that we won’t be able to function to the best of our ability at work. We may also be fearful of this happening night after night, and wonder how we are going to manage our lives if the exhaustion gets worse. In the video today you’ll learn how to use Qigong for sleep problems.

Janice Tucker is a practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Medical Qigong. She is also the founder of the Space To Relax online programme of Qigong video lessons.

Please don’t forget to subscribe to my YouTube channel by clicking the red “Subscribe” button on the page. That way you won’t miss my regular videos which are full of useful health enhancing tips. These videos will help you to enhance your health and prevent illness from arising in the first place. Also please give this video a “Like” if you found it informative.

Types of Sleep Problems

There are a number of different sleep problems which can all affect the quality and quantity of the sleep we get. The result is that they can also have a negative effect on our energy levels and our mental health. The following sleep problems are listed on the Mental Health Ireland Factsheet on Sleep where you can find more information.

  1. Insomnia. This affects an estimated 20% of people and is the most common sleep disorder. This is the one we will be focusing on in this video.
  1. Narcolepsy. This is excessive sleepiness.
  1. Sleep Apnoea. The person may stop breathing at intervals in the night which then wakes them so their sleep is constantly being interrupted.
  1. Sleep Disorders in Children. This can be distressing and exhausting for both children and parents. Sleep problems can impact on the physical and emotional health of a child so are important to address as early as possible.

The Solution – Qigong For Sleep Problems

In order to be able to sleep soundly we need to have a calm mind. Often we find that our minds are too busy when we go to bed. This over-excitement in the brain can prevent us from getting off to sleep quickly and easily.

There are many practical steps you can take to ensure that your mind is calm before bed, e.g. taking regular exercise, establishing a regular time for going to bed, turning off screens at least an hour before bed, taking a bath, avoiding coffee and alcohol a few hours before going to bed.

Qigong is also the perfect practice to help you improve the quality of your sleep because every Qigong method helps to calm your mind, the essential ingredient for good sleep.

Below are a few specific tips using Qigong for sleep problems.

  1. Practice Abdominal Breathing as you are lying in bed at night. Refer to my previous video called “How to Do Qigong Abdominal Breathing or Diaphragmatic Breathing“.
  1. Watch my previous video called “How to Calm Down with Qigong” so that your mind is in a calm state before going to bed.
  1. Relaxation is very important as it gets you into the state where you can easily go to sleep. Watch the video “Qigong Relaxation Techniques” for some effective Qigong tips on how to do this.
  1. Watch another video from me called “Qigong for Sleep Difficulties” which will give you more information and useful methods of Qigong for sleep problems.

What Do I  Do Next?

If you would like to start using Qigong for sleep problems then:

  1. Head over to my Space To Relax homepage. There you can sign up for a free 3 part video series of Qigong lessons. These three lessons will you to help to improve the quality and quantity of your sleep. Once you’ve completed the free series you’ll have the opportunity to join my Space To Relax online membership programme of Qigong video lessons. This will allow you to take your practice to a whole new level where you will learn many exercises to eliminate health issues before they become a major problem. I’ll guide you step by step through many more effective Qigong methods which work to calm and clear your mind; essential factors in enabling you to sleep soundly.
  1. Subscribe to my YouTube channel by clicking the red “Subscribe” button. That way you won’t miss my regular videos which are full of useful health enhancing tips. Also please give this video a “Like” and share with me in the comments box any tips you might have to improve the quality of your sleep.
  1. Join my free Facebook group, “Space To Relax Free Qigong Group” and leave any comments or questions for me there. I’ll be happy to answer them. Also, by joining this group, you will receive regular posts of Qigong articles and videos with really useful tips about how to use Qigong to improve your state of health.

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Qigong For Back Pain

Qigong For Back Pain

Feeling stiff and inflexible, or even worse, feeling pain in your back is debilitating and can be a source of misery and depression for many people. Back pain is extremely common. If you are an office worker sitting at a desk every day or have ever been pregnant then the chances are you have experienced back pain at some point! The website goodbody.com reports that 8 out of 10 Americans will experience back problems at some point in their lives. In my experience the similar statistics must also apply to Ireland, where I live, and many other countries too. The good news is that there are many practices and methods we can adopt to help minimise back pain and manage it so that it doesn’t limit our lifestyle. In the video on this page you will learn how to use Qigong for back pain management so that you can regain strength and flexibility in this very central supporting area of your body.

Janice Tucker is a practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Medical Qigong, and the founder of the Space To Relax online programme of Qigong video lessons.

Please don’t forget to subscribe to my YouTube channel by clicking the red “Subscribe” button in Youtube. That way you won’t miss my regular videos which are full of useful health enhancing tips. These videos will help you to enhance your health and prevent illness from arising in the first place. Also please give this video a “Like” if you found it informative.

The Impact Of Back Pain On Our Lives

In my Chinese medicine and acupuncture clinics I have observed an increase in back pain over the years. I’m sure that we all know someone with recurrent back pain, even if we ourselves are not sufferers. Perhaps this is because of the increasing number of people sitting at their desks working.

In addition to the misery that back pain brings, it can also negatively impact our lives:

  • We may not be able to go to work and so lose financial security.
  • The ability to carry out our daily tasks may be limited.
  • We may not be able to exercise and therefore put on weight which may lead to further health complications.
  • Our sleep may be interrupted as we can’t find a comfortable position in bed. This can result in us waking up exhausted.
  • Any pain medication that we may take for back pain may have side effects which create further health problems for us.

Back pain can be a recurrent problem because often the cause is never identified. If the cause cannot be eliminated then your pain is more likely to recur. This is why the appropriate management of back pain is crucial in preventing the problem developing into a long term, chronic one.

The Solution – Qigong For Back Pain

Qigong for back pain methods in general involve movement. They are perfect for dealing with back pain as they smooth the flow of energy (Qi) and blood flow through the area. In Chinese Medicine terms, a stagnation or blockage of the flow of Qi and blood can cause pain. However there are a couple of methods which are particularly useful to help you regulate back pain more specifically.

1. Watch my previous video on “Qigong Standing Posture“.

This method of Qigong for back pain is exceptionally helpful as it provides you with a standing posture which will avoid any obstruction in the flow of Qi and blood through two areas which are particularly prone to stagnation and pain, the lower back and neck.

2. For morning stiffness and pain

If you feel especially stiff in the mornings and it takes you a while to get going then it will be very helpful for you to start the day with a few gentle movements. This will help you to loosen up the back in the mornings! My perfect Morning Qigong Routine is shown here.

3. Looking Back Over Shoulder Method

This exercise is one belonging to a series of 8 called the Ba Duan Jin. It regulates everything, especially the spine and the thighs.  It is useful in the prevention of twisting of the spine.

Basic Instructions

Qigong stance.  Stand with neck stretched straight, arms hanging down freely.  Bring hands into position with palms facing down and pressure on heels of hands, fingers spread wide.  With chest projected out and shoulders squared, slowly rotate head to left (men) or right (women) with eyes looking backward over shoulder and move hands to sides of body, palms facing ground.  Keep arms close to sides of body and chin parallel to the ground as you turn the head.  Then slowly rotate head back to starting posture and bring hands back to in front of body.  Repeat to right side.  Repeat several times.

Finish the exercise by placing one hand (right for women, left for men) flat over Dan Tian (lower abdomen) with the other hand on top.  Circle a few times in one direction and then the other to seal in the Qi.  Allow the hands to drop down by the sides of the body and observe any sensations or changes

Breathing Instructions

Exhale as head and hands turn to side.  Inhale as body returns to starting posture.  Exhale as palms press to ground.  Inhale before starting the movement again.

Focus of Mind

Imagine Qi travelling down side of the leg to the sole of the foot) on side you are looking towards.  As head returns to centre make Qi come back to coccyx in the lower back.

What Do I Do Next?

If you would like to start using Qigong for back pain then:

  1. Head over to my Space To Relax homepage. There you can sign up for a free 3 part video series of Qigong lessons. These three lessons, in addition to the videos referred to above, will give you many useful Qigong for back pain relieving methods to help improve any problems you have with your back. Once you’ve been through that series you’ll have the opportunity to join my Space To Relax online membership programme of Qigong video lessons. This will allow you to take your practice to a whole new level where you will learn many exercises to relieve pain, calm your mind and eliminate health issues before they become a major problem. In this programme you will also learn the other 7 exercises in the Ba Duan Jin to complement the “Looking Back Over Shoulder” method you just learned in this video. This is a fantastic, comprehensive series of exercises which will elevate your health to a whole new level.
  1. Go to my YouTube channel by click the red “Subscribe” button. That way you won’t miss my regular videos which are full of useful health enhancing tips. Also please give this video a “Like” and share with me in the comments box what you do to manage back pain if you are one of the many sufferers around the world.
  1. Join my free Facebook group, “Space To Relax Free Group” and leave any comments or questions for me there. I’ll be happy to answer them. Also, by joining this group, you will receive regular posts of Qigong articles and videos with really useful tips about how to use Qigong to improve your state of health.
  2. Take a look at this very useful guide on Home & Office Modifications To Help Relieve Back Pain as often simple changes to how your environment is set up can make all the difference.

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