QI GONG

Qigong (also spelled Chi Kung) is a powerful system of healing and energy medicine from China. An internal Chinese meditative practice which often uses slow graceful and gentle movements, the art and science of using controlled breathing techniques, visualization, and meditation to cleanse, strengthen and circulate the life energy (qi) within the human body and enhance a practitioner’s overall health. 

In its simplest form, the Chinese character for qi, in qigong, can mean air, breath, or “life force”. Gong means work, so qigong is therefore the practice of “working” with ones “life force”. The term was not widely known until the 1970s during a period some call the “Qigong Wave” where groups of 10,000-40,000 people regularly gathered inside Chinese stadiums to practice qigong together. 

Qi is also known in other cultures. The Japanese call Ki like in Aikido and is similar to what Hindus call Prana in Yoga and Greeks Pneuma. Qi is currently translated as Energy or Breath. Ancient Chinese had the intuition, a long time before modern scientists, that our entire Universe is made of Qi, more or less condensed. Modern life, with all its complexity and the stress it causes, tends to cut ourselves from the present moment and therefore, from the natural connections we have with the energy that surrounds and fills ourselves. 

Practicing Qigong is practicing how to relax and open your body and mind in order to exchange more fully with the Universe. Although, there are also many forms of Qigong that are done with no movement at all, in standing, sitting and supine positions, likewise, not all forms of Qigong use breath control techniques. 

Although not a martial art, Qigong is often confused with the Chinese martial arts or tai chi. This misunderstanding can be attributed to the fact that most Chinese martial arts practitioners, will usually also practice some form of qigong and to the uninitiated, these arts may seem to be alike. 

There are more than 10,000 styles of qigong and 200 million people practicing, these methods. Qigong practice leads to better health and vitality and a tranquil state of mind. Used to move energy, thereby maintaining and regaining physical, mental and emotional balance for health maintenance and therapeutic intervention. The meditative exercises of Qigong with its softness, roundness and constant opening and closing of the body, combined with the presence of the mind helps to direct and balance one’s own life force through the meridian energy channels of the body. 

Qigong is a form of complementary medicine. It works well with other forms of therapy and should never be used as a substitute for necessary treatment by a physician. 

Benefits 

There are three main reasons why people do Qigong: 

-To gain strength, improve health and reverse a disease 

-To gain skill working with qi, so as to become a healer 

-To have a meaningful connection with nature and the universe 

Other benefits are: 

Reduce stress 

General health maintenance 

Build stamina, increase vitality and enhance immune system 

Found to improve cardiovascular, respiratory, circulatory, lymphatic and digestive functions Positive outlook on life 

Helps eliminate harmful attitudes and behaviours 

Creates a balanced lifestyle, which brings greater harmony, stability and enjoyment 

Increasing health, vitality, and longevity 

Developing spiritual perception, serenity and awareness