
Here's a personal message from the instructor
In this first lecture you can meet the course tutor and designer, Andy Wright. You'll see and hear about his life and work, with testimonials from real people/students (he teaches classes daily as well as on line). His work encompasses teaching in NHS hospitals as well as Sport Centres and for charitable organisations such as Parkinson Society and MS Society.
Introduction to Anxiety and Depression signs and symptoms with a definition of the illness from the "NHS Choices" organisation. This illness along with many other non-physical ones hold a stigma for most people, however you'll learn this is "real" and should be taken seriously because anyone can suffer it at some point in their lives.
Eastern medical view of anxiety and depression.
Learn about Anxiety and Depression. This text based lecture is the narrative for the qigong learning video in the next lecture, which is here mainly for those with hearing loss or who wish to turn sound off while watching.
Basics of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Background of the foundation of balance underpinning all existence.
Background of the five element theory
Audio about Anxiety and Depression. Hear about the signs and symptoms of anxiety and depression and listen to the NHS definition of this real illness.
A brief exploration of the stances and breathing. Please note, there are videos in the resources section.
Learn Qigong to combat anxiety and depression, with very easy moves that are extremely effective. This video has commentary explaining the movements, the condition and other information. It starts with a brief testimonial from a student.
Learn the flying dove routine to combat symptoms of anxiety and depression. This is very effective, working on the LUNG and HEART meridians. It is also part of Shibashi Set 1 (Move 13)
Learn the thumbs up routine to combat symptoms of anxiety and depression. This is very effective, working on the LUNG and HEART meridians.
Movement 1 Demonstration with no commentary
Movement 2 Demonstration with no commentary
Full demonstration of both movements, no commentary, just music.
Maybe consider an online class?
BASIC PRACTICE: In this Resource lecture you will learn how to do the wuji stance
BASIC PRACTICE: In this Resource lecture you will learn how to do abdominal breathing
Brief overview of qigong benefits
In this Resource lecture you will learn some common questions about qigong
Real people talking about Qigong
Welcome to the Qigong for Anxiety and Depression online course.
I'm delighted you've joined me on this gentle, supportive journey. This course introduces simple, accessible qigong practices designed specifically to help ease the weight of anxiety and depression. No prior experience is needed—just a willingness to move slowly, breathe deeply, and show yourself kindness as you go. We'll build a short, daily routine together, using flowing movements, mindful breathing, and focused awareness that you can practice anywhere, at your own pace.
Qigong works holistically by cultivating and balancing your vital energy (Qi), helping to release emotional stagnation, calm an overactive mind, and restore a sense of inner steadiness. For anxiety, these gentle flows reduce nervous system tension, quiet racing thoughts, and promote a shift toward relaxation and presence—often bringing noticeable calm even after short sessions. For depression, the uplifting, opening movements encourage energy to rise, lift heaviness, improve mood, and foster a renewed sense of vitality and connection to yourself. Many people find that consistent, short practice supports emotional resilience, better sleep, and a more grounded outlook over time.
This is your space to explore these tools compassionately. Let's begin together—one breath, one gentle movement at a time. You're taking a meaningful step toward greater ease and well-being—thank you for being here.
Anxiety & Depression are two of the most common mental health concerns in our society. They are often experienced as a complex set of emotional and functional challenges.
The science of mind-body medicine helps us understand the ongoing connection between the mind and body and see how anxiety and depression may be triggered by a variety of factors. These can include nutritional, psychological, physical, emotional, environmental, social, and spiritual factors, as well as genetic tendencies or brain disease. While we often hear about a biochemical cause, meaning that certain chemicals in the brain called neurotransmitters are out of balance, it is not clear if the level of neurotransmitters is the actual cause of anxiety and depression, or simply a symptom that a person is anxious or depressed.
Anxiety and depression are not the same, but they often occur together. It is not uncommon for people with depression to experience anxiety and people with anxiety to become depressed. There is also overlap in some of the treatments, so it is beneficial to learn about both conditions.
Qigong: You will learn effective movements to help you cope with the condition, simple to learn but very easy to implement on a daily basis, needing no special effort to be made.
All of the curriculum is self-contained and consists mostly of audiovisual learning, allowing you to practise the movements without having to remember what to do, which might increase anxiety.