What I’ve learned from 50 straight days of practicing Qi Gong

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What have I learned from fifty straight days of practicing Qi Gong?

First, a bit of background…

Qi Gong, also known as “Qigong,” is a traditional Chinese practice that combines physical movements, breathing techniques, and meditation to cultivate and balance the body’s energy, or “Qi” (pronounced “chee”).

It has been practiced for thousands of years in China, and is considered to be a holistic system for health and well-being. It is considered a form of internal arts, used as a form of meditation, stress reduction and self-healing.

The history of Qi Gong can be traced back to over 5,000 years ago, with roots in traditional Chinese medicine, martial arts, and spiritual practices. It was developed and passed down through generations by Chinese sages, healers, and martial artists. It was a closely guarded secret, passed down through the generations only to select students.

During the early 20th century, Qi Gong began to be more widely taught to the public, and it has since become a popular form of exercise and self-improvement in China and around the world. Today, there are many different styles of Qi Gong, each with its own unique characteristics and benefits.

One of the most famous and revered places for Qi Gong practice is Wudang mountain, located in Hubei province, China. Wudang mountain is home to the Wudang Taoist martial arts and is considered one of the birthplaces of Qi Gong. It is said that the legendary martial artist Zhang Sanfeng, who lived during the Song Dynasty (960–1279), developed the Wudang internal martial arts and Qi Gong practices while living on Wudang mountain. The Wudang internal martial arts and Qi Gong practices focus on cultivating internal energy and developing spiritual and physical strength.

When we moved to Sedona, Arizona in 2021, I found Sifu Giuseppe Medlin, a 30+ year practitioner and teacher of Qi Gong trained by Master Zhou Ting Jue. Master Zhou is a Qi Gong, Tai Chi and Kung Fu Grand Master who has been featured on numerous television programs, such as “Ripley’s Believe It Or Not,” “That’s Incredible,” and “Stan Lee’s Superhumans”.

Fifty days ago, as part of my training with Sifu Giuseppe, I embarked on my 100 Days of Qi Gong challenge, which is part of my Level 1 Qi Gong training. I must complete 100 days in a row of the practice. Even if I get to Day 99 and miss a day, I must start over. So there is ample incentive to NOT miss a day.

Here’s what I’ve learned from fifty straight days of practicing Qi Gong:

1. Setting a non-negotiable practice like Qi Gong in your daily routine makes it easier to say no to other non-essential activities. When you set something that is non-negotiable in your day, it’s easier to prioritize and make time for it. I even found myself doing Qi Gong in a hotel room at 4 a.m. during a busy travel schedule. This shows me how much it has become an important part of my daily routine and how much it means to me to stay consistent.
2. It took about 45 days for me to start really feeling the benefits of Qi Gong and to achieve a deep state of present moment awareness during my hour-long practice. At first, it was difficult to stay focused and present during my practice. But as I continued to practice daily, I found that it became easier to let go of my thoughts and be fully immersed in the present moment.
3. The way my breath flows is an indicator of my thoughts, beliefs, and trapped emotions. When my breath is labored or blocked, I know that something is blocking it. Qi Gong emphasizes the importance of breath and teaches how to breathe correctly to cultivate Qi. As I’ve been practicing, I’ve become more aware of my breath and how it can be affected by my mental and emotional state. This has been a valuable lesson in self-awareness and self-regulation.
4. I found that practicing Qi Gong in the middle of the day helps to balance my energy and resets me if I had a hectic morning. Qi Gong is believed to balance the body’s yin and yang energy, and I’ve found that practicing it in the middle of the day helps to balance my energy throughout the day. It’s a great way to take a break, recharge and refocus.
5. I feel a sense of accomplishment after completing my daily Qi Gong practice, no matter what. Setting a goal to practice every day for 100 days has been a great way to build discipline and consistency. I feel proud of myself for sticking to my goal, and it’s a great reminder that I can accomplish anything if I put my mind to it.
6. Through Qi Gong, I am building a deeper relationship with myself, particularly my subconscious. As I continue to practice, I am becoming more aware of my thoughts, emotions and physical sensations. This self-awareness allows me to understand myself better and make positive changes in my life.
7. The time of day I practice Qi Gong is important and how I feel directly corresponds to the Traditional Chinese Medicine Meridian clock. Traditional Chinese Medicine believes that our energy flows through different meridians or pathways in the body at different times of the day. By practicing Qi Gong at different times, I have found that my energy and mood can change.
8. I am finding my physical balance is improving as I become more aware of my body’s alignment in my daily movements. Qi Gong emphasizes proper body alignment and movement, and I have found that my posture, balance and flexibility have improved as I continue to practice.
9. The more present I am, the more I can feel the flow of energy during Qi Gong. The effects of my practice vary, sometimes leaving me feeling rejuvenated and full of energy, while other times, leaving me feeling warm and sweaty, or exhausted.
10. Qi Gong is teaching me to cultivate power and energy from my Tantien, which I have found to be beneficial in other areas of my life, such as work and weightlifting. The tantien, located in the lower abdomen (two inches below the belly button and two inches back into the abdomen) is the source of physical and spiritual energy in the body, and is believed to be the center of gravity and balance in the body. It is also referred to as the “sea of Qi” because it is thought to be the place where Qi (also spelled “chi”), or the body’s vital energy, is stored and generated.

Should you practice Qi Gong?

Well, I can’t recommend it enough. It has been the single greatest practice I’ve added to my life in recent years.

While I’ve experienced the previously mentioned ten benefits during the past fifty days, here are an additional five benefits of Qi Gong that will impact you physically, mentally, and spiritually:

1. Physical Health: Qi Gong is well known for its ability to improve overall physical health. The gentle movements and deep breathing can help to increase circulation, improve flexibility, and reduce tension in the muscles and joints. This can help to reduce pain and discomfort, and improve overall mobility and balance.
2. Mental Health: Qi Gong is also beneficial for mental health. The practice’s focus on deep breathing and meditation can help to reduce stress and anxiety, and improve overall emotional well-being. The practice can also help to improve sleep quality, which can be beneficial for people who suffer from insomnia or other sleep disorders.
3. Spiritual Wellbeing: Qi Gong can help to promote a sense of inner peace, tranquility, and calm. The practice can also help to improve focus and concentration, which can be beneficial for people who suffer from attention deficit disorder or other conditions that affect attention and focus. Furthermore, Qi Gong can also help to connect individuals with their spiritual selves and help to promote a sense of inner calm, peace and balance.
4. Improved Immune System: Qi Gong can also help to improve the function of the immune system. The practice’s deep breathing, meditation and gentle movements can help to reduce stress and tension in the body, which in turn can help to improve the body’s ability to fight off infections and illnesses.
5. Longevity: Qi Gong is also believed to promote longevity and slow down the aging process by helping to improve overall physical, mental and spiritual health. Regular practice can help to keep the body strong, flexible and resilient, and can also help to improve mental and emotional well-being, which can help to promote a sense of well-being and vitality.

Qi Gong has been a game changer in my life, and it’s a practice I highly recommend. I’ll update you during the next fifty days of my 100-day challenge, and I’m excited to see what benefits the next “half” of my challenge reveals.

Curt Mercadante is CEO of Advantage Informatics. He’s a speaker, author, and coach who specializes in helping C-level executive men live their lives of joy, fulfillment, and freedom. Click here to get access to his FREE Freedom Lifestyle Audio Course.