Chris Handbury School of Qigong

I am finding more and more people are coming to the clinic for Acupuncture and Qigong to help resolve their emotional stress.
PTSD, Chronic Anxiety, feelings of dread, Anger and Fear, and the uncertainty of the changes in the world over past years is becoming overwhelming.
At some point the emotions and thoughts begin to consume our ability to enjoy life as we move into a constant state of preservation and protection.
For those who know this they know that it can be mentally suffocating.
It's only when we are able to disconnect from the state of this dense and stagnant energy, and reconnect to the space and movement of our unhindered, true-self that we experienced before the emotions became too much, that we are able to regain a sense of direction or emotional freedom.
It's like two train tracks running along side each other, one chaotic (your excessive emotions), one calm (you before the storms), but nowhere to change tracks.
In these states we often train ourselves to navigate the negative in an attempt to salvage at least some kind of enjoyment of life, but what is more helpful is to train the energy to move forward to resolve the stagnation, so it has less chance to consume and oppress.
Acupuncture specifically moves the body and mind.
Qigong specifically moves the body and mind.
They both help you to change tracks.
Even if its for just a few hours to begin with, you still get to experience your original energy, without the dark cloud.
There is room to mentally breathe.
Over time, with each treatment or practise, you become much better at changing tracks, until eventually, returning to the chaos is no longer a concern, just a temporary blip until you can change tracks again.
This is returning to normal.
This is what Acupuncture and Qigong can offer you.
All you have to do is give it a try.
Get in touch if you need my help :)

Qigong Classes - Therapeutic exercise for greater well-being.
Thursdays 7.15pm
Fridays 10.00am
At the Stonehouse Community Centre
Call 01453 828000 for more info and booking.

I have one more space available for the Ba Duan Jin Qigong Instructor Course starting this September if you are joining us.
Drop me a message or pop over to

Chris Handbury School of Qigong Learn Ba Duan Jin Qigong. Weekly classes in Gloucestershire and Qigong Instructor Training

Booking is now available for the next Ba Duan Jin Instructor Course starting in September. Find out more online at chi-fit.uk

What is Ba Daun Jin Qigong?

In modern terms, and for ease of understanding for those unfamiliar with Qigong, Ba Duan Jin could be thought of as a therapeutic system that contains specific movements that aim to improve the circulation of blood and the various functions of the organs.

But, does that even make sense?

Ba Duan Jin is a physical practice that has many non-physical benefits! Throughout the practice of the movements within the Ba Duan Jin system, the intention is placed on using the physical structure in such a way that the movement of blood, fluids, and oxygen are able to move freely so that they can nourish every cell throughout the body.

Restrictions in the fascia caused by tissue damage or reduced mobility can in turn reduce the natural potential of circulation and create an accumulation of these vital substances, which often results in pain or a disfunction in the internal environment.

A simple example of this would be an acute injury that causes bruising to the area. In this case, the blood congeals to repair and limit further damage to the area, but also, this accumulation creates a temporary block where blood and fluids cannot move as freely through the area. This lack of movement is called stagnation.

Once this accumulation has been moved, through the body's natural healing process or the application of methods that promote the movement of blood, the functions of the body are restored and we feel a returned sense of wellness.

Injuries caused by emotional thoughts can also produce the same stagnation where thoughts have been repressed or appear invasively through traumatic experiences. Chronic exposure to thoughts that cannot move freely become internal injuries we often ignore because they are physically painless. Although there is no 'Knock' or 'Bruise' we can relate to, the injury is much the same, sometimes much worse than a physical injury.

By using the body in specific ways to promote an harmonious flow of blood, fluids, and oxygen, the body is far better equipped to maintain the functions of daily life and reduce the effects of physical and emotional injuries.

In time, and with dedicated practice, physical and psychological injuries become less frequent and apparent. The body becomes an efficient and spiritually connected vessel that allows us to develop a sense of awareness so that we can care for ourselves and enjoy the lives we choose to live.

Where most physical 'exercise' methods are solely aimed at improving the intake of oxygen, strengthening the muscles, and maintaining mobility in the joints, Ba Daun Jin has those benefits too, but it is not the only goal.

The common application of physical exercise is the DO something to the body, or USE something to make a change. With Ba Daun Jin we are working WITH the body to nurture and encourage change. There is a slight shift in the role of the participant.

The goal is to develop a body that can function in its most optimum way so that illness, disease, and injury do not threaten our life energy. It is, in all essence, a practice of longevity. Health and vitality are created from the inside out.

When self-awareness becomes self-attention, and our intention becomes entwined with our natural desire to preserve life, life becomes joyful and abundantly full with potential.

Spaces for the September 2024-2025 Qigong Instructor Course are now available for booking. Please get in touch if you would like an application and course details.

Zhan Zhuang Qi Gong - The art of developing the energy body through stillness. It's been 21 years since my first experience of Standing Qigong... I'll never forget it either!

I visited a new teacher with the intent of learning Taiji, but after a cup of tea and a lengthy discussion the teacher decided Qigong would be better for my needs.

We did some exercises and then the teacher told me to stand in a still position. It felt a bit silly, like playing statues as a child.

After a while the teacher adjusted my posture to a different position. Then after a while I was adjusted again. Sometimes it would be my arm positions, sometimes my hands or hips.

This went on for about 45 minutes, being adjusted every 5 mins, by which time i was drenched in sweat, physically exhausted and shaking from the shear effort of standing still.

This followed with some meditation and soft moving exercises which helped to calm down what felt like a full body electric charge running through my body. Things became still.

I left that session quite confused with no reason offered as to what or why that practice was helpful. I never trained with this teacher again as I just couldn't grasp the methods that I had experienced. How could such a motionless practice be so effective?

I pursued Taiji for a few years but couldn't get this practice of standing out of my mind.
I began to study and train what I could remember, reading books and visiting with other students, until years later I found a teacher that I was able to offer me authentic training in this method of Qigong and I became a private student.

Here we are, over 20 years later and it is now my main practice of health and wellness. To this day I cannot see a life without this practice! It has provided so many insights into the development of physical, emotional and spiritual health.

I do not know of any other practice so innate that provides so many benefits, but is not easy! Nothing of value ever is.

Just when you feel there are no answers or solutions... something becomes present, the mountain top appears and there is a breath of relief, mind, body and spirit are united... then in the distance the next, higher mountain appears, and the journey continues.

It's hard to explain in words to those who do not know but at a superficial level it is the retention of being connected, universally.

It is becoming increasingly obvious that many things in modern life are created to distract us from the true self, the true energy and the full potential we have inside each and every one of us.

Zhan Zhuang and its structural dynamics is a simple way to remain connected to very beginning of who you are and what you are.
It's a little bit like time travel 😉

Latest book review on Amazon... Really chuffed someone has grasped my intention with this book. "Anyone that has an interest in their health, well-being and longevity must buy this book!
If everyone in the world followed the principles contained within it, we would all be in a much better place!"

Latest book review on Amazon... Really chuffed someone has grasped my intention with this book.
"Anyone that has an interest in their health, well-being and longevity must buy this book!
If everyone in the world followed the principles contained within it, we would all be in a much better place!"

Ba Duan Jin
Resolves and reduces tension in the physical structures so there is space for the movement of Qi.

E-Book and PDF Now Live Online! Grab a copy and enjoy the magic!

Online Qigong Session - Tuesday May 21st
If you are not busy and you would like to train with me online and experience the Qigong and mind-body practices I share, please join me on Tuesday May 21st at 10.00am for 90 minutes of energy restoration and the development of internal space.
We will practice the full system of preparation and loosening methods, Ba Duan Jin Qigong , Five Element Zhan Zhuang Qigong and the transitional process that connects the methods together.
The session is open to 6 participants. You can book your place online today. If you would like to discuss before booking, please get in touch.
I look forward to seeing you next week.
Booking link in the first comment.
P.s. I won't be wearing a shiny blue suit or carrying an imaginary ball of light!

Online Qigong Session - Tuesday May 21st
If you are not busy and you would like to train with me online and experience the Qigong and mind-body practices I share, please join me on Tuesday May 21st at 10.00am for 90 minutes of energy restoration and the development of internal space.

We will practice the full system of preparation and loosening methods, Ba Duan Jin Qigong , Five Element Zhan Zhuang Qigong and the transitional process that connects the methods together.

The session is open to 6 participants. You can book your place online today. If you would like to discuss before booking, please get in touch.
I look forward to seeing you next week.

A little discussion around the emotions and how they present in the body and mind.
Hope it helps.

Looking at the Emotions - Mental Health Awareness Week 2024 A quick discussion around the energy of emotions and how they might present in the body and mind.

It's live!!! Grab your copy of my new book 'Grow Your Flow- Balancing the Elements' on Amazon now. It took a while to get the right vibrancy in that green! This book is for everyone, even more so for those who have read the first two books.
I've even updated my 2019 liitle pocket book for those who want a quick 10 minute Qigong practice... its for the 'I don't have time' people that really need to get some Qigong in their lives.
Hope you enjoy them.
Grow Your Flow: Balancing the Elements (Food, Massage and Qigong) https://amzn.eu/d/1EOsZx5

More Ba Duan Jin magic from me in the latest edition of Tai Chi Chuan and Internal Arts Magazine. This is the third article as we reach 'Archer Draws A Bow'.
If you are involved with the internal arts why not join The Tai Chi and Qigong Union as a member and get your free quarterly magazine as well as many other benefits. Or pop online and grab a copy... It's £5.00 well spent and the organisation is volunteer based so let support them. Tai Chi & Qigong Union for Great Britain

Are you ready for some ladies Qi Gong with Marge?
Our Wednesday health class is aimed at those who find themselves a bit wobbly or fatigued and prefer a gentle approach to keeping their health fresh and vibrant.
You can do it seated, standing or up-side down if you like!
You will learn powerful therapeutic movements of Qi Gong that help the body and mind to find balance, physically and emotionally.
That means less injuries, less stress and MORE energy!
This is a ladies only class that meets every Wednesday at the Stonehouse Community Centre at 10.00am
All ages are welcome 18+
You can also join in for a cuppa and a natter afterwards at the Drop-in cafe.
If you would like to give it a go call The Stonehouse Holistic Centre on 01453 828000 or find more details about our Qi Gong at www.chi-fit.uk

Are you ready for some ladies Qi Gong with Marge?
Or Wednesday health class is aimed at those who find themselves a bit wobbly or fatigued and prefer a gentle approach to keeping their health fresh and vibrant.
You can do it seated, standing or up-side down if you like!
You will learn powerful therapeutic movements of Qi Gong that help the body and mind to find balance, physically and emotionally.
That means less injuries, less stress and MORE energy!
This is a ladies only class that meets every Wednesday at the Stonehouse Community Centre at 10.00am
All ages are welcome 18+
You can also join in for a cuppa and a natter afterwards at the Drop-in cafe.
If you would like to give it a go call The Stonehouse Holistic Centre on 01453 828000 or find more details about our Qi Gong at www.chi-fit.uk

Are you ready for some ladies Qi Gong with Marge?
Or Wednesday health class is aimed at those who find themselves a bit wobbly or fatigued and prefer a gentle approach to keeping their health fresh and vibrant.
You can do it seated, standing or up-side down if you like!
You will learn powerful therapeutic movements of Qi Gong that help the body and mind to find balance, physically and emotionally.
That means less injuries, less stress and MORE energy!
This is a ladies only class that meets every Wednesday at the Stonehouse Community Centre at 10.00am
All ages are welcome 18+
You can also join in for a cuppa and a natter afterwards at the Drop-in cafe.
If you would like to give it a go call The Stonehouse Holistic Centre on 01453 828000 or find more details about our Qi Gong at www.chi-fit.uk

It is what is is... for a reason!
I feel this applies to most authentic body-mind practices but especialy the internal arts.
Each posture, movement or method has been developed through trial and error in order to have a specific effect or outcome. Sometimes over many generations.
Once you change the qualities, principles or intent, or mix it with other methods, it no longer has the same effect so cannot be regarded as the same method.
Therefore you cannot call it what it was before you changed it.
You cannot add blue to red and still call it red just because it has bits of red in it.

If you haven't popped over to the website for a while why not take a look. Videos, tutorials, blogs and some free stuff too!

Chris Handbury School of Qigong Learn Ba Duan Jin Qigong. Weekly classes in Gloucestershire and Qigong Instructor Training

Booking for the next Ba Duan Jin Course will be open in the next few weeks. Drop me a message if you'd like to be notified by email.

Applications for the next Ba Duan Jin Qigong course are now available. The 12 month course starts in October 2024.
Only 6 spaces are available. Flexible learning with online based or face-to face tuition. Final completion and assessment stages are in-person, based in south Gloucestershire.
Please get in touch for more info or to discuss your training or professional development skills.

It must be time for a little video to keep you all potentialised!
Anything you'd like to see or need help with?

Benefits of Qigong #3
The Magic is Inside of You!

Benefits of Qi Gong #2
You don't need to dress it up.

How does Ba Duan Jin Qi Gong compare to other exercise systems and fitness methods? Find out more about the benefits in this mini Blog for CIMSPA
https://www.chi-fit.uk/blog/qigong-for-the-sports-and-fitness-sector