Qigong, which is sometimes spelled Chi-Kung (and pronounced chee-gung), is the study and practice of cultivating vital life-force through various techniques, including:
- Breathing techniques
- Postures
- Meditations
- Guided imagery
Qi is the Chinese word for the ‘life’ or ‘vital energy’ that flows through everything. Gong means “work” or “skill” or benefits acquired through perseverance and practice. Together the two words mean ‘Skill or mastery of working with vital energy’ – this is the cultivating and accumulating of an abundant energy flow through practice. Through study, the individual aims to develop the ability to manipulate Qi in order to promote self-healing, prevent disease, and increase longevity.
Qigong practice makes the body strong and supple. It improves balance, stamina and flexibility. It has positive effects on the cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, endocrine, immune and central nervous systems.
Emotional Benefits
The smooth and balanced flow of qi created by qigong practice creates more feelings of joy, a relaxed outlook, optimistic and energised state of mind.
Mental & Spiritual Benefits Of Qigong
The abundance of cultivated energy and mental stillness generated by qigong practice supports great mental clarity, and nourishes both intuition and creativity.
As we deepen in our qigong practice, we become aware of more subtle realms of Being, and begin to experience, directly, our interconnectedness with something far greater than ourselves.
The Art of Moving Energy in Your Own and Other People’s Body’s
Qigong Is Divided Up Into Two Parts:
1. Qigong Self Practice exercises involves a system of self healing and health maintenance techniques, which involves balance, relaxation, healthy breathing, good posture, exercise and meditation.
2. Medical Qigong involves moving energy or qi around the body by a Qigong Medical Practitioner to eliminate blockages and to balance and tonify vital energy in the patient’s body.
Origins
There are numerous theories as to the origins of Qigong. The earliest evidence of Qigong type movements’ lies in the animal dances performed by Shamans. Depictions of these animal dances and postures have been found in rock paintings throughout China. From dance it evolved into exercise. The recorded history of Qigong development in China is often divided into four periods.
Qigong & Traditional Chinese Medicine
The effectiveness of qigong has been proven in China by its beneficial impact on the health of millions of people over thousands of years. Developing the life force, or Qi (chi), is the focus of Taoism, China’s original religion/philosophy. The Taoists are the same people who brought acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, bone setting, and the yin/yang concept to the world.
Popularity
Qigong is fast gaining popularity worldwide, due to people experiencing the emotional, physical and spiritual benefits that it provides. Eastern practitioners have known about the benefits of qigong for centuries, and today Western scientific research is following-suit, confirming that qigong can help prevent and manage many different health problems.
People often ask me – What is Qigong? This is a short video with an explanation and a simple exercise that you can practice so you can feel the Qi (energy) between your hands.
If you would like to learn more about Qigong I will be running a Qigong teachers training course in Auckland, New Zealand 17 – 19 March and Bali, Indonesia 20 -24 July.
These courses are suitable for all levels, including beginners.
