Qigong: China's 3000 year old system of self healing
Women
Fitness brings to its readers a complete resource on Qigong, China's oldest
healing system. 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.
Qigong (alternatively spelled chi gung or chi kung) is a form of gentle exercise
composed of movements that are repeated a number of times, often stretching the
body, increasing fluid movement (blood, synovial and lymph) and building
awareness of how the body moves through space.
When you practice and learn a qigong exercise movement, there are both external
movements and internal movements. These internal movements or flows in China are
called neigong or "internal power". These internal neigong movements make qigong
a superior health and wellness practice.
The internal movements also differentiate qigong from almost every other form of
exercise in the West that often emphasizes prolonged cardiovascular movements
(such as in running and biking) or that focus on muscular strength training
(weight lifting).
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.
