Qigong is the term given to a family of mystical healing arts, including Tai Chi and Falung Gong, that originated in China at least 2,500 years ago. Proponents claim that it has the ability to prevent and heal disease, improve athletic performance, and enhance spiritual virtues such as tranquility and self-awareness. Qigong practitioners engage in a variety of training exercises, including meditation and body movements.
Theoretical Foundations
The practice of qigong is based on the concept that life energy, or "qi," is the medium that surrounds us and through which all life and healing draws its power. Qigong aims to control the flow of qi through the use of choreographed postures, breathing techniques and mediation. It also aims to control the rhythm of bodily functions, such as blood pressure and blood flow to particular organs of the body, in order to achieve and maintain a healthy distribution of qi throughout the body.
Medical Qigong
Qigong is the branch of Chinese medicine that is concerned with disease prevention and self-healing. To this end, it makes use of a number of body postures and movements. Medical qigong also involves teaching people to control their own reactions to stress--in fact, it might be characterized as an ancient form of biofeedback. It is used not only to heal the sick, but also to promote "wellness," a positive concept of health that promotes "superhealth" beyond the mere absence of disease.
Martial Arts Qigong
Qigong techniques have traditionally been used in Chinese martial arts to improve speed, stamina, balance, power, flexibility, coordination and general conditioning. Qigong breathing techniques are of paramount importance in many of these exercises. According to qigong author Kenneth S. Cohen, qigong has exerted a major influence on Western gymnastics, due to a 1778 translation into French of certain Taoist qigong texts.
Spiritual Qigong
Qigong practices have been incorporated into Buddhism, Taoism and Chinese shamanism, and have in turn been influenced by these three spiritual disciplines. Buddhist monks make use of qigong exercises to supplement lengthy periods of seated meditation, while Taoist monks use qigong meditation techniques to help them achieve the alert but empty state of consciousness they seek. Chinese shamans used qigong to commune with nature and practice healing arts. Qigong meditation contains features borrowed directly from Buddhism and Taoism.
Measurable Benefits
The Qigong Research and Practice Center claims that scientific evidence exists showing that qigong improves posture, respiration, relaxation, blood chemistry and concentration, and that it is useful in the treatment of asthma, arthritis, cancer, heart disease and many other common ailments. Some Western doctors, such as Quackwatch's Stephen Barrett, M.D, are highly skeptical of these claims, citing a lack of evidence among qigong practitioners and healers, and "some evidence of deception."
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