Yoga & Qi Gung Workshop

Ancient qigong and yoga are essentially two branches of the same tree. Though umbrella terms for a wide range of practices, both yoga and qigong are concerned with unifying the body in order to refine ones ‘qi’ or ‘prana’ to achieve higher states of being. While much of modern yoga has become synonymous with ‘flexibility’, the Chinese systems are thought to have better maintained their roots. The simple movements of qigong allow the student to easily and effectively feel the internal flows of energy in the body. Once connected with this energy, we can carry this sense in to our yoga asanas to correct obstructions in flow and develop our practice to deeper and more subtle levels. This workshop was born out of a curiosity to develop this line of practice together. 

ABOUT QI GONG 

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.

Prashant 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. 

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.