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What is Qigong?
Qigong (pronounced Chi-Kung) is the ancient art of longevity developed over 7000 years ago in China. Qi (Chi) is the energy of the body that travels through the network of meridians and connects with the energy of the universe. According to the ancient Taoists, the whole universe has some element of Qi. It can be translated as vital energy, breath or energy of life. Gong (Kung) is a term that describes the work that is required to achieve a skill; Gong can also be translated as training, mastery, or self-discipline. When we have a blockage of Qi or the pathway is disturbed this can cause sickness (both physical and emotional) and eventually shortness of life. Qigong is a conscious practice where each individual takes personal responsibility to balance and harmonize their vital energy - reducing stress, increasing health and vitality as well as developing spiritual perception and awareness. Qigong literally is working with the energy of life.
Qigong is the art of life. When we see people practicing slow gentle movements in the early morning, in parks in China and most countries today we may think they are playing Tai Chi, but they are actually cultivating their life force energy. Qigong is a relatively a new term which describes all the Chinese energy healing techniques, so technically Tai Chi is one type of Qigong.
There
are basically two types of Qigong, external and internal.
External Training, (Yang) relates
to the movement forms, the external movement stimulates the flow of Qi.
Internal Training, (Yin) relates to the stillness or meditation forms. Internal concentration or intention stimulates the flow of Qi.
The
three principles in training Qi energy
1. Regulating the posture, learning to stand, sit or move with the body
relaxed and correctly aligned.
2. Regulating the breath, there are many different breathing patterns used.
3. Regulating the Mind, entering a quiet state allowing intention to guide the Qi.
Three main categories
1.
Martial Qigong
2. Medical, Healing Qigong
3. Spiritual Qigong
When starting to cultivate Qi energy it is advised to start with movement, especially when we are younger. A good way is with Tai Chi (Taijiquan), a popular form of Martial Qigong, helping to teach discipline, and co-ordination of mind and body. This is very beneficial for the maintance of the body. In the tradition of Qi cultivation the Martial (Warrior) can help stimulate our exploration of internal energy and lead us to the next stage, that of the scholar. Studying Traditional Chinese Medicine, the I Ching and other classical works can lead to the next level: that of the healer. Through Medical Qigong we are able to help others strengthen and maintain their health. Then the practice of meditation takes us to the final stage, Spiritual Qigong, uniting with the universe /Tao/God: whatever your belief. This is the ultimate aim.
From the physical to the internal and onto the spiritual, by sharing and helping others are we able to grow and find more purpose for our life. When we practice Qigong and other energy and meditative arts we are not only benefiting ourselves but all living things, helping bring harmony to the universe.
I remember quite clearly being in hospital and after three months finally starting to walk again. With the use of a walking frame I would very slowly and carefully walk around the ward. I was just so excited that I was making progress. One nurse would lead me to other patients who were feeling down and depressed, so I would tell them my story. I could see the change in their eyes and the healing taking place. Since that day I have been inspired to share all that I learn and know so I may be able to receive more.
