How to Chill Out with Qigong

The summer solstice arrives Thursday under a dome of heat. The lovely aspects of this beautiful season may feel overridden by concerns about how to stay cool as temperatures soar. We need to stay hydrated, of course. Even when not thirsty, it’s very important to drink enough to help the body manage its internal heat and keep things flowing as they should.

Relaxing also help us stay cool. Stress and tension are known to increase heat in our bodies-- think of nervous sweating when under stress. In the scientific lexicon this is called “psychogenic fever”. In Chinese Medicine, it’s called “excess Yang”, or too much fire.

Qigong offers lots of wonderful ways to chill out excess internal fire with exercises that cultivate more inner Yin, or waterlike tranquility. First, slowing your breathing will help cool things down. Then, movements such as “Flowing Like the River, or “Drawing Down the Heavens” will usher in a state of peace and relaxation. Focus on something cool and refreshing, like rain falling on a beautiful flower garden, or a fresh, mountain stream cascading over smooth rocks. In a few moments, you’ll return to comfort and balance. I’ll be sure to include lots of these and other heat-reducing movements all week in our Qigong classes. Happy chilled out Summer Solstice, Qi friends!