Qigong

What is Qigong (Ch'i Kung)?

Qi (Ch'i) is a Chinese word that means several things -- among them, breath, air, and vital energy.  The Chinese written character for qi is very old, and the ancient meaning was grain offered to guests.  The pictograph depicts rice in a pot with lines above a lid representing steam.  Thus we can see that the basic idea of air with energy to lift the lid came to represent vital, but invisible energy.  The presence of this energy can only be determined by its effects.  The Chinese relate air, breathing and vital energy, by pointing out that, without air and breath, there is no vital energy.  The Chinese regard air, water, food, and herbs as all being sources of useful qi -- that is, being necessary for life and health.

Qigong (Ch'i Kung) can mean many things.  The literal translation of the words can mean breathing art, breathing skill, energy art, energy science, etc.  Qigong is the common name for a number of exercises thalt combine movement and regulated breathing to build vital qi.  Qigong exercises stretch the body and opens the joints while bringing breath deep into the body.  This supplies oxygen and energy to the system so that the person can function at higher levels of efficiency, health, and awareness.  In China, there have been many reports of the beneficial results of the practice of qigong.  These results include slowing of heart rates, reduction of blood pressure, and increased efficiency in oxygen use.  Millions of people in China practice qigong and are familiar with its many benefits for health and fitness.

There are thousands of different qigong exercises.  Some of them are good for general health and others are used to strengthen specific organs to help resist or cure specific deseases.  The main goal in learning qigong is to cultivate a calm mind, balanced in state and energies.  Practitioners try to practice with the quality of calmness, coordinating this with an opening and balancing of the body.  Both Qigong and Taijiquan emphasize relaxing of the body and mind, so that their energies can flow freely and evenly to promote a general feeling of well-being and serenity.

Yet, qigong is much more than just good exercise.  It can put one in touch with levels of self-knowledge and feelings that help the individual evolve to become more empowered and capable.  It stimulates vitality and an elevation of spirit that can stand one in good stead in this world of stress and distress.  According to Chinese Qigong theory, one's mind and body can become over-excited from excess mental or emotional stimulation or from physical stimulants such as certain drugs or food, or even -- from too much hard (yang) exercise.  When the body and/or mind are overstimulated, the qi balance in the body is disturbed -- resulting in feelings of being scattered, nervous, bloated, tight, or feeling overly aggressive, egotistical, insensitive, or just clumsy.  On the other hand, one can also be under-stimulated, resulting in sluggishness, weakness, with low drive or low self-esteem.  In either the case of over-stimulation or under-stimulation, there is an inability to perceive the world and others from a clear and natural perspective.