Theory: When we are happy, when things are going well, we enjoy what the Chinese tradition calls ‘free flow’. When we are depressed, stressed, traumatised, we experience the opposite - a kind of internal stuckness. One thing that can help free up this stagnation is movement/exercise. This might include walking, running, hiking, dancing, martial arts, playing sport, going to a gym - whatever we enjoy most. The main thing is to get the body moving. One common experience is that when our energy isn’t flowing, we feel tired, sluggish and reluctant to take exercise. But if we do, we almost always feel much better afterwards. However, if after exercise, we feel more tired/exhausted, then we need to rest more and practise very gentle movements (for example the practices in Part One).

Option A: Qigong swings

Option B: Activation (Vigorous Movement)

Best if you feel "frozen," angry, or too agitated to stand still.

  • Action: Burn off the stagnation. Go for a vigorous walk or hike, preferably on uneven or complex terrain.

  • Why it works: Complex movement forces your body to adjust and focus, pulling you out of your head and into your feet. This naturally breaks up the "stuck" energy of shock or trauma.

Important notice


The information provided in this course is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have learned in this course.