WORLD TAI CHI QIGONG DAY : ONLINE

Free Qigong Session

On the last Saturday of April at 10am local time worldwide, events begin… starting in the earliest time zones of New Zealand where mass Tai Chi and Qigong teach-ins and exhibitions are held that are FREE and OPEN to the PUBLIC.

REGISTER FOR THIS EVENT HERE – and get your Zoom link for the session which includes the replay

As the planet turns, events unfold all across Australia, Asia, Europe, Africa, North and South America, and finally completing this worldwide wave of Qi and health education, with the last events occurring in Hawaii.

Clara has offered a free Qigong session every year from 2008 when she took a group of Qigong practitioners into a large bank and did a demo as customers passed by, with noticeboards containing more information on the health benefits of Qigong and Tai Chi. There’s a list of these below the links;

See a Chi Time interview with Bill Douglas the founder of the WTCQD

Or a shorter podcast version on your favourite podcast channel ‘How the World Tai Chi Qigong Day began : Founder Bill Douglas, or click the Spotify link here

 FIVE REASONS MILLIONS OF PEOPLE AROUND THE WORLD PRACTICE QIGONG 

1. Reduces Stress and Regulates the Nervous System

Qigong combines slow movement, breath regulation, and focused awareness, which activates the parasympathetic nervous system (the body’s “rest and repair” mode).

Research shows Qigong can:

• Lower cortisol (stress hormone)

• Reduce symptoms of anxiety

• Improve overall emotional regulation

The gentle rhythmic movements and breathing stimulate the vagus nerve, helping the body shift from fight-or-flight into calm presence.

2. Improves Balance, Mobility and Joint Health

Qigong’s slow circular movements strengthen stability muscles, coordination and proprioception (the body’s sense of position in space).

Studies have found regular practice can:

• Improve balance

• Increase flexibility

• Reduce risk of falls (especially in older adults)

• Support joint health and mobility

Because the movements are low impact, Qigong is accessible for many people who find more intense exercise difficult.

3. Supports Heart Health and Circulation

Qigong has been shown in multiple studies to support cardiovascular health.

Benefits can include:

• Lower blood pressure

• Improved circulation

• Reduced resting heart rate

• Better oxygen utilisation

The slow breathing patterns also support heart rate variability, an important marker of resilience in the nervous system.

4. Boosts Immune Function

Research suggests regular Qigong practice can enhance immune response and anti-inflammatory activity.

Studies have observed:

• Increased immune cell activity

• Reduced inflammatory markers

• Improved recovery from illness

This is likely due to the combination of stress reduction, improved circulation, and mindful breathing.

5. Enhances Mental Clarity and Emotional Wellbeing

Qigong is often described as “meditation in motion.”

Scientific studies show it can:

• Improve concentration

• Reduce symptoms of depression

• Increase feelings of wellbeing

• Support better sleep

The combination of breath, movement and attention brings the mind back into the body, which helps calm mental overactivity.

REGISTER FOR THIS EVENT HERE – and get your Zoom link for the session which includes the replay