Start the new year right with qigong and meditation for MS

Teacher Tracy Harris invites you to our new online accessible classes to boost wellbeing

We are exited to tell you we have launched a new online weekly class of seated qigong! The class is available to all as part of MS-UK’s online portal – you can find it on our website at www.ms-uk.org/login where you can register to take part.

The class will take place on Monday mornings, 10.15am until 11am. We ran a taster session in September and decided to launch this class after the excellent feedback we received.

What is qigong?

Qigong (pronounced ‘chee gong’), is an ancient Chinese practice, developed as part of traditional Chinese Medicine to enhance health and wellbeing through focused movement and breath. It can be described as the practice of cultivating and managing internal energy (chi or qi). There are physical and mind-based components, with a strong emphasis on slow flowing movements, breathwork and meditative practices.

Qigong can be a wonderful gentle form of exercise, accessible to everyone, including people with multiple sclerosis (MS). It is a form of self-care, and it can be playful as well as meditative through the focus on flowing movements. Through regular practice you may learn to

• Move mindfully and with more ease
• Feel more energised
• Use your mind to overcome negative thoughts
• Improve balance

Some benefits of practising qigong for people with MS have recently been reported in a qualitative study in the US. These include improved energy, focus, stress relief as well as flexibility and strength. Psychological benefits and benefits from socialising were also noted.

The slow methodical approach of Qigong means that it can be enjoyed by people with MS, regardless of mobility, flexibility, or ability, and no previous experience is required. There are soft flowing movements, interspersed with moments of stillness, and everyone is encouraged to move in a way that is comfortable for them, being aware of not using too much effort. In fact, you will be encouraged to work at just 30-40 per cent effort during the class and you may be surprised at how much you will have done by the end!

Our teacher Tracy will welcome the group and there is often a little chat between participants before the class starts.  Each session includes an opportunity to meet others and practice qigong together online. We will take some warming up movements, some flowing qigong movements, breath practice and relaxing. Come in comfortable clothing and use a sturdy chair.

Meditation

And why not try our new weekly meditation class? It will be taking place on Thursday afternoons from 2.30pm to 3.15pm

The practice of meditation is aimed at quietening our thoughts and minds. There are many styles and techniques of meditation and I use a variety of these during the sessions, each of which is unique. Meditation is considered the highest form of yoga practice and it can enhance health and wellbeing – physical as well as mind and spirit.

The benefits

Meditation is a wonderful practice for anyone, even those who think they can’t stay still for very long! You can learn tools and techniques that you can use again on other days.

By allow the mind to take constructive rest, meditation is thought to be able to

• Improve concentration and focus
• Allow you to switch off from the regular chitter-chatter of the mind
• Be more mindful and compassionate with yourself and others
• Improve rest and sleep
• Relief from stress
• Reduce anxiety
• Improved breathing
• Lead towards happiness and contentment

Join in 

The sessions are recorded (just the teacher is recorded!) and are made available on the MS-UK Portal so you can follow the class at a time that’s convenient to you. We would love to welcome you along to a live session or check out one of the recordings available on the Portal.

I also take the weekly chair yoga classes on Wednesdays, which have been running since 2020. Why not try some other classes or exercise sessions offered every week? Visit www.ms-uk.org/multiple-sclerosis-online-activities and see what takes your fancy.