Qigong, also known as Qi Gong, is a meditative practice using slow and graceful movements as well as controlled breathing. This Chinese meditative practice is believed to promote circulation of qi, or flow of energy, within the body to promote overall health. Qigong is thought to improve blood circulation and enhance immune function. It's considered alternative medicine.
Qi Gong
The word "qi" is pronounced "chee" and refers to the life flow of energy. Gong is pronounced "gung," as in "lung." Gong is translated to mean "work." Qigong can be literally translated into "energy work" or working with life energy. Qigong has also been called nei gong (inner work), as well as dao yin (guiding energy).
History
In 1953, Liu Gui-zheng published a paper titled "Practice On Qigong Therapy." This was the first time the term Qigong was widely used as an official name for this practice of energy work. A variety of terms was given to this practice, such as xing-qi (encouraging energy circulation), fu-qi (taking energy) and yang-shen (nourishing the spirit), to name a few. Qigong has been documented back in history approximately 2,500 years. Some historians and Chinese archaeologists report observing Qigong-like methods that are 5,000 years old.
Major Areas of Application
Qigong is applied in four major aspects. The first is Healing Qigong, also known as Yi Gong. This is the application used as a protective and self-healing medicine, primarily for the control of stress and anxiety. External Qi Healing is the second major application, also known as Wai Qi Zhi Liao. External Qi Healing consists of a health assessment and non-contact energy treatment. Sports Qigong or Wu Gong is used in martial arts and sports in order to improve athletic ability. Spiritual Qigong is a spiritual discipline leading to tranquility and harmony with nature. Spiritual Qigong evolved from Buddhism and Taoism.
Benefits
Various research shows evidence that the meditation portion of Qigong helps many physical conditions. These conditions include relief of some symptoms of allergies, anxiety disorders, asthma, cancer, depression, high blood pressure, pain and sleep problems. Qigong is not suggested as a treatment for any medical condition but may be helpful in addition to treatment.
Research
Qigong research experiments measure the benefits of internal Qigong practice and the effects of External Qi Healing (EQH), on disease. Dr. Brian Jones of Hong Kong University showed a substantial decrease in cortisol levels after 14 weeks of practice. Other studies show Qigong practice helps the autonomic nervous system, brain function and immune response. External Qi Healing has been shown to affect cancer cells grown in the lab by slowing growth.
References
- Perspectives Glossary- Qigong Definition
- Qigong Research and Practice Center
- Stress Management- Mayo Clinic
- Kligler, Benjamin. Lee, Roberta. (2004). Integrative Medicine: Principles for Practice. McGraw-Hill.
- Lin, Shin. (n.d.). Recent Developments in Qigong and Acupuncture Research. Retrieved on May 23, 2010 from http://mindbodylab.bio.uci.edu/Publications%20Page/PDF%20Publications/CAPS%20Recent%20Developments.pdf.
