Chinese Qigong
Introduction
Qigong (pronounced chee goong) is a Chinese system of physical
training, philosophy, and preventive and therapeutic health care. Qi
(or chi) means air, breath of life or vital essence. Gong means
work, self-discipline, achievement or mastery. This art combines
aerobic conditioning, isometrics, isotonics, meditation, and
relaxation. Qigong is a discipline whose practice allows us to gain
control over the life force that courses throughout our bodies.
There are more than 3,000 varieties of qigong, and five major qigong
traditions: the Taoist, Buddhist, Confucian, martial arts, and
medical. Qigong is thus a soft form of a related set of disciplines
that includes Taiji (Tai Chi Quan) and the hard form of Kung Fu.
This article is about the medical tradition.
Like the other forms, medical qigong is the cultivation and
deliberate control of a higher form of vital energy.. It is also an
ancient philosophical system of harmonious integration of the human
body with the universe. As a radical denial of the human species'
separation from nature, qigong challenges the foundations of modern
Western biomedical thought.
The Chinese have found qigong an effective way to treat substance
abuse and obesity. This gentle art improves delivery of oxygen to
the body's cells, reduces stress and improves bowel functioning.
Chinese doctors have applied qigong in hospitals and clinics to
treat individuals suffering from a variety of ailments. These
include allergies, arthritis, asthma, bowel problems, constipation,
diabetes, gastritis, gout, headaches, heart disease and
hypertension.
The list goes on: chronic kidney disease, liver disease, lower back
pain, Meniere's disease, myopia, obesity, neurasthenia, paralysis
induced by external injury, retinopathy (deterioration of the back
of the eye), rheumatism, sciatic neuralgia, sleeplessness, stress,
ulcers, and peripheral vascular disease. Qigong can successfully
treats cancer and reduce or eliminate side effects from radiation
and chemotherapy. It is helpful in treating aphasia (loss or
impairment of ability to speak), cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis,
Parkinson's disease and post-stroke syndrome. It is especially
useful in treating any kind of chronic pain, and chronic disorders
of the digestive, respiratory, cardiovascular and nervous systems.
http://www.crystalinks.com/qigong.htmlQigong is an ancient Chinese practice with great value for today.
Here is an interesting quote from the sixth century B.C. This 6th
Century B.C. inscription was found on twelve pieces of jade which
may have formed the knob of a staff or rod.
In breathing, one must proceed as follows.
One holds the breath and it is collected together.
If it is collected, it expands.
When it expands it goes down.
When it goes down it becomes quiet.
When it becomes quiet it will solidify.
When it becomes solidified it will begin to sprout.
After it has sprouted, it will grow.
As it grows it will be pulled back again,
to the upper regions of the body.
When it has been pulled back,
it will reach the crown of the head.
Above, it will press against the crown of the the head.
Below, it will press downwards.
- Needham, Science and Civilization in China
Qi Gong (pronounced Chi Kung) is an ancient Chinese energy (Chi)
practice. Qi means energy.
Qigong is a self-healing art that combines movement and meditation.
Visualizations are employed to enhance the mind/body connection and
assist healing.
The Chinese character "Gong" represents the effort placed into Qi
practice as well as the power gained through such practice. Qigong
literally means the meditation practice of Qi energy.
Qigong is based on the concept of Chi, energy which flows through
the body. There are 460 movements to learn in the Qigong and related
Tai Chi programs. Breathing techniques help the chi flow. It is a
self healing practice that can lead to the connection of mind, body
and spirit.
Images and symbols may be mentally used to assist with the healing.
Author Unknown
