The word Qi Gong is composed of two Chinese ideograms:

QI, meaning breath, energy and Gong, representing work, the means utilised, as well as mastering the objective aimed at.

Therefore, Qi Gong means working with energy, as well as mastering it. It teaches several energetic exercises, issued from the traditional Chinese culture, aiming at individual development, enhancing well-being, keeping good health, harmonisation of body and spirit as well as a good balance in the whole body between its various parts and systems. Qi Gong exercises are composed of movements, body postures, breathing exercises and breathing control as well as mind concentration.

About the instructor:

Prashant Tewatia has been practicing and teaching Iyengar Yoga as well as internal (Tai Chi, Qi Gong) martial arts for more than 10 years. He teaches this mainly in Goa and in Europe all year around. He is an enthusiast in the practice of the form called “The 5 Animals Qi Gong”, which he will teach you. For more about Prashant, please visit www.yogamc.com.

This form of Qi Gong, well known in China, is one the four methods officially recognised. It has been inspired by Hua Tuo (a doctor in medicine of the Han dynasty), who has devised each movement from his watching wild animals’ behaviours. By learning this version (there are about sixty versions) you will imitate a tiger, a ram, a bear, a monkey and a crane, through ten movements (two per animal) and also getting into their personalities.

For example, the first movement will teach you how to stretch yourself like a feline does in the morning – an efficient way for waking up your body! The second movement gets you trained into relaxation, concentration and opening up your body in order to deploy the power of a hunting tiger.

Note: If you’re new to Qi Gong, you should definitely consider doing both. Qi Gong is for all at any age and it does not require any special condition.

Qi Gong also constitutes a good preparation to all sportive, artistic and education disciplines, thanks to its internal work of right body motion and good body perception which enhances awareness of its functioning and thus develop concentration, openness and creativity. It also allows total living 'the present moment' through feeling the energy and be fully present.