Tina Faulkner Elders introduces this gentle form of mindful movement which is combined with breathwork to calm the mind and regulate the nervous system…
Qigong is about healthy movement which nourishes the organs, promotes good balance and strengthens core muscles. It is also a part of Traditional Chinese medicine and so involves stimulation of acupressure points. It’s suitable for all ages and abilities, so everyone can benefit from the practice.
The practice of Qigong can be traced back over 2000 years in China, though it has evolved considerably during that time. It can be thought of as a form of moving meditation, with slow-flowing movements and rhythmic breathing which help create a calm state of mind.
My father, Gordon Faulkner taught Kungfu, so I started learning when I was seven, later taking up Tai Chi, Qigong and meditation with my father and from visiting instructors that would stay in our home. I studied Qigong at the Beijing Sports University and also studied Tai Chi and meditation with the famous Grandmaster Shi Ming. I’m a registered Senior Instructor, a 16th generation lineage holder of Wudang Internal Arts and serve as a board member and technical panel advisor for Tai Chi Internal Arts.
A class will generally start with a gentle warm up and some breathwork to relax the body and bring calm and focus. From there a Qigong movement will be explored and practised. The level of this exploration depends on the class, from looking at an individual move to feel the benefits to studying whole routines and the theory behind the movements. There is no floor work and no specialist equipment is needed.
Qigong is brilliant whether you’re 8 or 98! We have a schools programme called Calm Space for Me which was commissioned by Aberdeen City Council Education department. It is a video program that can be accessed in the classroom for both children and teaching staff to positively engage with themselves in a non-competitive way, building resilience and inner calm. The feedback has been very positive with one teacher saying they find it brings, ‘peace, calm and compassion to the classroom’. The potential for long term positive effects are profound and have sparked a collaboration with Aberdeen University which is undertaking a research project to explore how they are used and the impacts for pupils and teachers.
As well as my classes and workshops throughout the shire, I’ve taught Qigong at the Aberdeen Maggie’s since it opened in 2013. It’s such a special place. Centre head, Vera Schroeter, commented, ‘Tina’s Qigong classes are part of our wider programme of support for people with cancer and those who love them. Many of those who visit the centre find Qigong incredibly helpful both for their physical and mental wellbeing; as an opportunity for breathing and gentle movement, and as a way of taking time for themselves amidst the chaos and busyness of their treatment or caring role. The Qigong classes are also a space for connection with others who might understand how you are feeling, and something practical that people can do to improve their wellbeing in a time when there is little control. It’s lovely to see so many people making use of Qigong as a tool to help them relax, move and connect.’
If you’d like to discover the benefits of Qigong for yourself, you can contact Tina at ruyischool.com, email ruyischool@gmail.com or visit facebook.com/RuyiAberdeenshire where Tina offers a weekly free livestream on Mondays at 10am.