Qi Gong is a traditional Chinese practice that combines movement, breath, and meditation. It has been used for centuries to promote health and well-being. One particular form, the Wild Goose Qi Gong, is gaining popularity as a gentle and effective tool for people with cancer.
Brauna Rosen, a Qi Gong instructor working with Hope & Cope, has extensive experience in martial arts and Qi Gong. She explains that the Wild Goose form is especially well suited for people with cancer to improve their quality of life.
“The movement is fluid, the pace is moderate and it is easy to learn,” she says. “Some movements put a little bit of pressure on the body, but nobody’s ever had difficulty doing it.”
Wild Goose Qi Gong is based on the movements of a goose throughout its day—waking up, spreading its wings, searching for food, and more. By mimicking these natural motions, you tap into the natural laws of motion and energy flow. As Brauna puts it, “Once you learn it, your body just moves naturally.”
How Qi Gong works
Qi means air or energy. Gong refers to hard work or the display of talent. Qi Gong focuses on developing, assimilating, and storing vital energy, or Qi, through specific movements, breathing techniques, and meditation.
Qi Gong works with the body’s energy channels, or meridians, which connect organs and sensitive areas. When these channels become blocked, health problems can arise. Qi Gong aims to remove these blockages and promote the smooth flow of energy.
There are five main branches or types of Qi Gong: Taoist, Buddhist, Medical, Confucian, and Martial. The Taoist branch—which includes Wild Goose Qi Gong—emphasizes strengthening the body and mind. As the techniques become second nature and the mind and body harmonize, the focus shifts to “flowing” with nature and using natural laws of motion.
“You produce good health by getting the energy flowing through your body,” Brauna explains.
The benefits of Wild Goose Qi Gong for cancer survivors
The 64 movements of Wild Goose Qi Gong mimic a day in the life of a goose. You alternate these movements with moments of stillness until you can perform them with an “empty” mind. This allows you to blend with the natural world.
One of the main benefits of Wild Goose Qi Gong in cancer care is its ability to relieve stress. The meditative, flowing movements help calm the mind and body. Practitioners often feel more relaxed and energized after a session.
As you put it into practice, the effects of Qi Gong may lead to increased energy, better health, and an improved ability to manage stress independently.
While learning the Wild Goose form does take some practice, you can learn the movements within the 10 weeks of classes. Brauna emphasizes the importance of learning in a group setting.
“People feel good to do it in a group, because the energy is so much better in a group class,” she explains.
Is Qi Gong for you?
For those hesitant to try a Qi Gong practice, Brauna offers this advice: “If you enjoy movement and if you have done Tai Chi, then this form is lovely. It’s easy to learn, it feels good, you always feel energized after a class. I don’t know anybody who’s disliked it, so there’s no reason to not try it.”
