What is
Qigong?
Qi?
Is
Qigong more than just another
exercise?
What
are the Benefits of
Qigong?
Is
there a Basic Qigong exercise that anyone can
do?
What is Qigong?
Qigong is an
ancient Chinese health care system that integrates physical
postures, breathing techniques and focused
intention.
The word Qigong (Chi Kung) is made
up of two Chinese words. Qi is pronounced chee and is usually
translated to mean the life force or vital-energy that flows
through all things in the universe. The second word, Gong,
pronounced gung, means accomplishment, or skill that is
cultivated through steady practice. Together, Qigong (Chi
Kung) means cultivating energy. It is a system practiced
for health maintenance, healing and increasing
vitality.
Qigong is an integration of physical
postures, breathing techniques, and focused intentions. Qigong
practices can be classified as martial, medical, or spiritual.
All styles have three things in common: they all involve a
posture, (whether moving or stationary), breathing
techniques, and mental focus. Some practices increase the Qi;
others circulate it, use it to cleanse and heal the body,
store it, or emit Qi to help heal others. Practices vary from
the soft internal styles such as Tai Chi; to the external,
vigorous styles such as Kung Fu. However, the slow gentle
movements of most Qigong forms can be easily adapted, even for
the physically challenged and can be practiced by all age
groups.
Like any other system of health care, Qigong is
not a panacea, but it is certainly a highly effective health
care practice. Many health care professionals recommend Qigong
as an important form of alternative complementary
medicine.
Qigong creates an awareness of and influences
dimensions of our being that are not part of traditional
exercise programs. Most exercises do not involve the meridian
system used in acupuncture nor do they emphasize the
importance of adding mind intent and breathing techniques to
physical movements. When these dimensions are added, the
benefits of exercise increase exponentially. The gentle,
rhythmic movements of Qigong reduce stress, build stamina,
increase vitality, and enhance the immune system. It has also
been found to improve cardiovascular, respiratory,
circulatory, lymphatic and digestive functions.
Those
who maintain a consistent practice of Qigong find that it
helps one regain a youthful vitality, maintain health even
into old age and helps speed recovery from illness. Western
scientific research confirms that Qigong reduces hypertension
and the incidence of falling in the aged population. One of
the more important long-term effects is that Qigong
reestablishes the body/mind/soul connection.
People do
Qigong to maintain health, heal their bodies, calm their
minds, and reconnect with their spirit. When these three
aspects of our being are integrated, it encourages a positive
outlook on life and helps eliminate harmful attitudes and
behaviors. It also creates a balanced life style, which brings
greater harmony, stability, and
enjoyment.
Qi?
- Qi can be thought of as the "energy" we
use for all of life's activities: Thinking,
feeling, physical movement and inner organ
vitality.
As we understand Human Biology and
Chemistry, Traditional Chinese Medicine understands Qi and
it's functions in the body.
Qigong is "Energy
Exercise".
Is Qigong more than just
another exercise?
- In the past 80 years our MDs, DCs, PTs,
private trainers, and Yoga instructors have prescribed
exercises for our health. We now study exercise in our
medical universities, though 4,700 years ago (2,700BC) the
Chinese had already studied and documented their protocols.
Qigong was a very important aspect of Chinese Medicine.
Gentle breathing techniques, movements, concentration skills
were documented and used for healing and preventing
illnesses.
The original school of Qigong is named
The Medical School. Medical Qigong goes one step further
than a group exercise form. A Practitioner of Qigong can use
Qigong prescriptions for individual health concerns - from
the common cold to migraines.
Treatments include hands on Qigong
techniques and personal instructions for home practice. A
Doctor who performs Qigong treatments must practice Qigong
faithfully.
Many Health practitioners working with
Qi, Reiki or Healing Touch replenish their Qi with Qigong
here in the US.
-
What are the Benefits of
Qigong?
- Increases breathing depth, chest
expansion, and oxygenation of tissues
- Improves the strength of arms, neck,
shoulders, upper back, torso,
lower back,hips, legs, and
ankles
- Increases abdominal and perineum
awareness and strength; assists digestion and urinary
disorders
- Decreases neck tension, back pain,
shoulder pain, leg pain, headaches
and jaw pain
- Can be beneficial for osteoporosis,
high blood pressure and various other disorders.
- Calms the mind, allowing one to handle
stress with greater ease.
Medical studies - http://www.nqa.or
Is
there a Basic Qigong exercise that anyone can
do?
Yes, The WuJi Posture of stillness is
but one. Called the "eye of the storm", often incorporated
into Tai Chi and other martial
arts. |
