A Breath of Healing: Our Mom’s Beautiful Qigong Moment With Dementia

Over the last few years of caring for our mom, We've learned something essential: healing doesn’t always come from big breakthroughs. Sometimes it comes from quiet, gentle movements… the kind that ground the body, calm the mind, and remind the nervous system that it is safe.

One of the most powerful tools we’ve discovered together is qigong.

Qigong is slow, rhythmic movement paired with breath and intention. But for our mom, it has become much more than exercise. It’s a ritual. A moment of peace. A way for her to reconnect with her body—and, in many ways, with us.

This week, we filmed a simple video of her doing her daily qigong routine. Watching her, I was struck by how present she looked. How her shoulders softened. How her breath deepened. How her whole expression changed as her body settled into the rhythm.

What I love most is that qigong meets her where she is. She doesn’t have to remember steps. She doesn’t have to get it perfect. She just follows the flow, and the flow holds her.

Why Qigong Helps

For people living with dementia, qigong can support:

• Calming the nervous system

• Improving balance and body awareness

• Gentle stimulation of the brain through patterned movement

• Better circulation and joint mobility

• A sense of confidence and independence

But beyond the benefits, there is a deeper magic to it. Qigong gives our mom a feeling that she is participating in her own healing. She isn’t just being cared for—she is caring for herself.

A Reminder of What’s Possible

If you’ve been searching for something gentle yet powerful to support a loved one, qigong might be worth exploring. You don’t need equipment, experience, or a perfect routine. Just a bit of time and an open heart.

I hope this video inspires you the way these moments inspire me.

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