I'm so grateful for my Qigong practice for a plethora of reasons, and in this post, I'm going to share just a few! As you know, Qigong offers numerous health benefits for women, especially during their perimenopausal transition, which is referred to as the second spring.
While each woman's experience with perimenopause is unique, I'd like to share a few broad reasons to either start or reaffirm your commitment to a regular Qigong practice to help you navigate perimenopause, cultivating balance and vitality as you age gracefully.
Hormonal Balance: Qigong practices can help balance hormone levels, potentially reducing the intensity of perimenopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and mood swings. It does so by improving your ability to manage stress hormones. like cortisol and adrenaline.
Stress Reduction: As I previously mentioned, Qigong emphasizes relaxation, breath, and body connection, which can reduce stress and anxiety often associated with the many changes and unknowns that perimenopausal women experience.
Improved Sleep: Better sleep patterns may be possible through gentle, slow moving Qigong movements along with the healing sounds practiced at bedtime, helping perimenopausal women fall asleep faster.
Enhanced Energy Flow: Qigong exercises promote the flow and circulation of Qi (life energy) through the body, increasing overall energy levels and alleviating tension and fatigue caused by stuck and stagnant energy held in the body.
Emotional Wellbeing: Practicing Qigong provides a skillset and framework for enhancing emotional stability. Hence, you feel grounded and centered, reducing mood swings and promoting inner peace and tranquility.
Joint and Muscle Flexibility: Gentle, flowing Qigong movements are soft and can help improve joint mobility and muscle flexibility by increasing blood and Qi circulation to these parts of the body, reducing aches and pains accompanying perimenopause.
Weight Management: Specific Qigong movements and breathing patterns are shown to improve metabolism and digestion. When combined with a healthy diet, can aid in weight management, or at least an improved relationship with our bodies as they are, which may be challenging for some perimenopausal women.
Improved Circulation: Qigong exercises promote better Qi flow and blood circulation, potentially reducing the risk of cardiovascular issues that can become more prominent during perimenopause.
Enhanced Focus and Concentration: Where the mind goes, energy follows. So, during Qigong practice, we bring our minds inside our bodies, improving mental clarity and focus, which may benefit perimenopausal women dealing with cognitive changes.
Strengthened Pelvic Floor Muscles: Certain Qigong exercises, like gentle squats and standing postures with specific breathing patterns, may help strengthen pelvic floor muscles, addressing issues like urinary incontinence and prolapses.
Bone Health: Bone Marrow Washing techniques, rebounding, and weight-bearing Qigong exercises can support bone health and reduce the risk of osteoporosis, which becomes a concern as women age.
Community and Support: Joining Qigong live classes or online groups like Path with Harmony Sanctuary provides a sense of community, sisterhood, and belonging. This is essential for perimenopausal women who may feel isolated and alone during this life transition.
Mind-Body Connection: Qigong emphasizes the mind-body connection, helping women become more attuned to their bodies in the present moment and supporting them to respond to their body's needs to improve their overall health and wellbeing.
Spiritual and Emotional Growth: The psycho-spiritual aspect of Qigong can offer a spiritual dimension that fosters personal growth and self-awareness, connecting you to a much larger universe and teaching us about the seasons and cycles of ceaseless change.
It's important to note that while it is possible that consistent Qigong practice can provide these potential benefits, it may not stop or prevent you from experiencing some common perimenopausal symptoms or aging. Nor is it a replacement for medical care. In full discloser, I've been practicing Qigong for more than 20 years, and I still get stiff and moody (sometimes. 😉)
Want more? Read our related blogs about the Qigong perspective of perimenopause and the top herbs to consider including in your health routine.
Of course, you are wholeheartedly invited to join our community of amazing women navigating these changes while living life with beauty, grace, and vitality! We would absolutely love to practice with you! Check our website to see our on demand Qigong programs and when the next Qigong for Women session starts.
Would you like to start your day clear, energized, and with a light, joyful heart? Click here to get the 13 Minute Morning Qigong Practice for FREE!⬇️⬇️⬇️
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