Qigong, pronounced "chee-gung," is made up of two Chinese words. "Qi" means "life force," and "gong" translates to "work" or "accomplishment." Together, qigong is an ancient Chinese method of healing that uses breathing techniques, slow movements and meditation to strengthen life energy, according to the Qigong Research and Practice Center. Qigong is not an alternative for proper medical treatment but may be used as a supplement to relieve pain and other conditions.
History
Qigong originated in China. The practices and exercises that make up qigong have a recorded history that began about 2,000 years ago and may date back as far as 5,000 years. The actual term "qigong" was not adapted until 1953, when Liu Gui-zheng published his paper "Practice On Qigong Therapy," according to Qi: The Journal of Traditional Eastern Health and Medicine.
Types
The Qigong Research and Practice Center describes four main types of qigong. Healing, or medical, qigong helps the practitioner learn to control stress reactions to avoid related complications such as anxiety and high blood pressure. External qi healing draws on the energy of nature to heal the mind and body. This may be used alone or combined with other methods such as massage or acupuncture. Sports qigong uses exercise to improve strength, stamina, coordination and flexibility. Spiritual qigong is derived from Buddhism and Taoism, and is used to increase self-awareness and peacefulness.
Methods
The two major methods of practicing qigong are still and moving, according to Practice on Qigong Therapy. In still qigong, the practitioner remains in a lying, sitting or standing position while focusing on breathing and concentration. Moving qigong uses slow, deliberate movements of the arms, legs and body. Tai chi is a type of moving qigong. In both methods, proper posture, controlled breathing and a quiet mind is vital to success.
Benefits
Qigong can be taught to all age groups, even young children. It is a highly adaptable system that can be tailored to accommodate most health problems and disabilities. Because it may help reduce stress, it can be beneficial to the immune system and promote relaxation. It also may help improve breathing, circulation, heart function and digestion, according to the National Qigong Association.
Evidence
The benefits of qigong have been widely studied both in China and the United States. A study performed by Dr. Kevin W. Chen published in the November 2006 edition of the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine concluded that qigong is effective at relieving in the painful symptoms of fibromyalgia. Dr. Kenneth M. Sancier details several uses for qigong in his article "Medical Applications of Qigong" in the January 1996 "Alternative Therapies" magazine. He quotes numerous studies on the benefits of qigong for such conditions as asthma, cancer, bone density, hypertension and senility.
References
- Qigong Research and Practice Center: What is Qigong?
- Qi: The Journal of Traditional Eastern Health and Medicine: Practice on Qigong Therapy
- The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine: A Pilot Study of External Qigong Therapy for Patients with Fibromyalgia
- Alternative Therapies: Medical Applications of Qigong
- National Qigong Association: What is Qigong?
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