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It is often
mistaken that spa treatments only involves the
body's surface. No doubt that it concentrates on
body treatment but it is not restricted only to
that field. A complete spa experience often
include movement therapies which addresses your
mind and spirit as well. It is widely believe by
many people that qi, the energy that courses our
body, can get impeded by the lack of exercise,
poor diet and the daily stress that we endured
from morning till night. To over come this, we
have to subscribe to the ancient practice of qi
gong which will enable us to get back our energy
to flow freely, release tension and provide
mental clarity. Qi means energy and gong means
practice and now this two words is widely
translated to mean 'illness is cured by muscle
movement' whereby its exercises emphasizes the
importance of posture and breathing which
directly leads to preventing sickness and
promote wellbeing. For better oxygen flow to the
brain, a pine inhalation therapy promotes
clearer thinking since pine is known to have an
invigorating aroma that assists in respiratory
problems.
 There are several
types of exercises that can be done to stimulate
the body's source of qi. The first method, also
known as centre of the heart, is
standing with your feet shoulder width apart.
Then lengthen your spine from the top of your
head down into your pelvis. Never lock your
knees and always try to keep your legs straight
and center your weight in your pelvis. During
this process, try to breathe
easily through your nose, expanding and
breathing into your abdomen. Slowly raise your arms
in front of you during inhalation. Keep your
elbows somewhat bent, arms rounded and palms
inward with your fingers slightly spread.
Continue to breath deeply when you hold each
pose for as long as you like. This next exercise
allows you to spread your hands to the horizon.
Photo: Movement Therapy
When you are ready, on an
exhalation, turn your palms towards the earth
and then slowly move them outwards. Push them
slowly away from your heart and to your sides.
It is important that you practice dynamic
tension as you move. Straighten your elbows when
you push outwards and try rotating your palms so
that your fingers are pointing upwards. Stop
this process when your arms are outstretched,
and you may hold on to this pose as long as you
wish but always focus on your breath.
Then, on an inhalation, reverse your movements
to return to centre of the heart.
This next exercise
is like pushing a big ball upwards and then
release it into the sky. To start, Continue with
the deep breathing but during your next
exhalation, try to force all the air out from
your lungs. Inhale again, and then during the
exhalation, try to bring your palms in towards
your collarbone. Continue by rotating and
pushing your palms upwards and then pretend to
release a ball into the sky. It is
important to keep your shoulders down with your
elbows bent a bit. Continue breathing and
exhaling strongly as you stretch up and
backwards as you sink your tailbone. Try to
relax and return to centre of the heart once you
feel tired.
Another type of
movement which you can carried out is with your
arms before you, try to breath deeply. When you
breath out, turn your palms down and press
downwards in a slow manner with the arms still
outstretched and elbows bent. Try to keep your
fingertips apart and pointing forwards. When you
push down, slowly bring your arms closer to your
body. Imagine pushing a huge object into the
earth. After this process, on an inhalation,
reverse the motions and return to centre of the
heart. Then relax your arms and permit your
hands to float slowly down to your sides. You
should only stop breathing deeply when you feel
your mind is cleared.
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