Hashimoto’s has been part of my life for a long time — long before I even knew I had it. For over a decade, I lived with symptoms I couldn’t quite explain: difficulty losing weight, stubborn fatigue, joint pain, brittle nails, dry skin, hair that thinned more each year, teary eyes, and a nose that always felt a little stuffy. My body became increasingly reactive to gluten and dairy, and to make things more complicated, my blood pressure started climbing too.
When I finally received my diagnosis, things began to make sense. But understanding what was going on was only the beginning. The real work — and healing — came in learning how to live with it. And not just manage it, but live well, with presence, energy, and joy.
This is where Qigong quietly entered — not with a miracle cure, but with something more sustainable: a practice of listening, connecting, softening. I had practiced it for quite some time, drawn to its fluid movements and calming effect. But it was only when I began training for my teacher certification last year that I committed to a regular, intentional practice. That’s when things shifted.
Qigong didn’t erase my Hashimoto’s symptoms overnight — and it still doesn’t. But what I can say, honestly and wholeheartedly, is that since practicing consistently, I’ve noticed real change. My body feels less inflamed. My joints are looser. My digestion has improved. My energy is steadier. My skin, hair, and nails are slowly regaining vitality. Even my blood pressure is more stable.
And beyond the physical, I’ve felt something equally important: a deep reconnection with myself.
Qigong invites slowness. It teaches you to move with your breath, to become aware of your energy, to pause — not because you’ve earned it, but because you need it. It helped me see that healing doesn’t always look like doing more. Sometimes, it looks like doing less, but with full presence.
This is how Qigong taught me the essence of slow living. It became more than a wellness practice. It became a rhythm — one that reminded me to check in with my body, my emotions, and my energy every day. It helped me shift from pushing through symptoms to cooperating with my body’s signals.
There are still challenging days. But now, I meet them with more awareness, more compassion, and a few deep, steady breaths. And that — to me — is real healing.
Qigong classes to improve autoimmune symptoms will start in September 2025 (classes in English and Italian). If you are interested in knowing more about Qigong and working with me, book a free call at this link: https://calendly.com/thebridgecenter/new-meeting
From my heart to yours
If you are interested in Slow Living, self-care and improving your health with energy practices, subscribe to The Bridge Sunday Newsletter for weekly well-being insights.
You might also be interested in my book Take It Slow: The Slow Revolution for Deeper Connection and Mindful Living, available on Amazon.
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