In the West we are more familiar with the notion of an 'energy body' than previously. Various popular therapies make use of acupuncture or pressure points, meridians, reflex zones, chakras, channelling or auric layers in healing, but we also talk about our own energy levels being high or low, or of places we visit having a good or bad energy.

In China, Chi (energy, sometimes spelt Qi or Chee) is part of everyday language, incorporated into the expressions for weather, balloon, sparkling wine or atmosphere--to name just a few. Some people in the West are suspicious about Chi, but everyone in China takes its existence for granted; in Chinese hospitals, specialists in energy medicine and conventional doctors often work side by side.

Chi Kung differs from Western exercise regimes because its focus is on developing your Chi (energy) - not just your muscles and cardiovascular system. The movements of Chi Kung are gentle and flowing, and will develop a high degree of body awareness and internal focus. This makes Chi Kung particularly useful for the elderly, developing balance and helping to prevent falls--but it also complements sporting activities by supporting and enhancing health, facilitating recovery and building balance, flexibility and coordination. By integrating your movements, Chi Kung brings poise and grace to your life, and functional efficiency to sporting pursuits.

People often ask how Chi Kung differs from yoga. One explanation is that yoga encourages relaxation through stretching, whereas Chi Kung encourages stretching through relaxation. An important principle in Chi Kung is that you only extend to around 70% of your ability. To go further requires you to hold yourself together centrally in order to reach out peripherally, which represents energy expenditure (rather than development) and contraction (which is contradictory to relaxation and energy flow).

Other differences are that Chi Kung is done standing up (yoga is done at least partly lying down or supporting yourself on your hands) and involves movement (yoga generally involves static poses). These contrasting qualities emphasise Chi Kung's relevance to everyday life; it's a highly functional way of exercising which will improve your posture, and in particular bring you into and strengthen your legs (which is very important if you have back pain). Once you make the movements your own, you learn how to move in the world from a genuinely centred and grounded place. Chi Kung changes people's lives ... not just their bodies!

The aim is to be flowing and gentle within your natural comfort zone, so that your body opens up and your energy can flow freely. This leads to an overall integration of movement which in turn creates a calm and balanced mind and a more authentic way of being.