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The six healing sounds of qi gong are quiet, playful and easy to learn, which makes them a lovely calming ritual for parents, grandparents and children to try together.

A calming ritual the whole family can try

Bedtime, homework stress and busy mornings can leave everyone in the house a little frazzled. One soothing idea from traditional Chinese culture is the six healing sounds, a qi gong breathing practice that turns long, gentle out-breaths into a sort of game. For families in Lane Cove and Freshwater, it can be a sweet way to wind down together at the end of the day.

What are the six healing sounds?

They come from Taoist qi gong. Each sound is a soft, breathy exhalation linked in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) theory with a particular organ and one of the Five Elements: wood, fire, earth, metal and water. Tradition describes the gentle vibration as a little massage on the inside. No loud voices are needed; you can whisper the sounds or even just imagine them, which is handy when a baby is asleep.

Making it fun for children

Kids often enjoy picturing colours and pretending, so each sound has an image to go with it. Try sitting in a circle or snuggling on the couch, breathing out slowly with each sound five times.

The candle sound

"Chooo" (chui) is like blowing out birthday candles very softly. In TCM theory it belongs to the kidneys, a water organ, linked with fear, the bones, growing up and long life. Imagine a deep blue night sky and let worries float away.

The snake sound

"Sss" (si), with the tongue behind the teeth, goes with the lungs, a metal organ that breathes in fresh air and lets the old air go. Tradition connects the lungs with sadness. Picture fluffy white clouds in the chest.

The library sound

"Sshh" (xu) is the familiar shush, and in TCM it belongs to the liver and the wood element, linked with anger and with the eyes. Tradition says cross feelings can even make eyes go red. Breathe out the grumpiness.

The big yawn sound

"Haaaa" (he), mouth wide open, is for the heart, a fire organ whose feeling is joy and which looks after circulation and a clear head. Imagine a warm red glow and a big smile inside.

The tummy sound

"Hooo" (hu), like the word "hoe", comes from the throat and goes with the spleen, the earth organ that helps turn food into energy in TCM theory. Tradition links it with worrying and thinking too much. Picture sunny yellow around the tummy.

The sleepy sound

"Sheee" (xi), with no voice at all, belongs to the triple burner, a pathway TCM describes as looking after fluids from top to bottom. Imagine cosy warmth sliding from the top of the head down to the toes, ready for sleep.

Keeping it gentle

The idea is simply to breathe out the old and make room for the new, so there is no right or wrong. Many families find it settling. If you would like to learn more, look for a qi gong teacher or beginner videos. This is a relaxation activity only; for any health worries about yourself or your children, please see your GP.