Qi gong is an ancient practice of traditional Chinese medicine that dates back 5,000 years. Combining movement with breath practice and meditation, qi gong aims to cultivate energy within the body in order to encourage mental clarity, physical health, healing and longevity. Although research is still needed, some studies have shown that benefits of practicing qi gong include reduction of stress and depression and lower blood pressure.
History
Qigong was first practiced in China 5,000 years ago, and its development spans four periods. Little is known about the first period, which began with the release of the "Yi Jing," also known as the Book of Changes and lasted until the Han Dynasty. After that, the second period saw the importation of Buddhist meditation methods from India that influenced the qi gong practice, which until then was mainly just a set of movements.
With the start of the Liang Dynasty in 502 A.D., qi gong was adapted for martial purposes, and different martial styles developed according to Buddhist and Daoist qi gong theories and practices. After the Qing Dynasty was overthrown in 1911, qi gong entered its final phase of development in which Chinese qi gong blended with practices from many other countries, including India and Japan.
Components
Although there are many different styles of qi gong that have developed over the centuries since its birth 5,000 years ago, the practice of qi gong normally involves a dynamic practice, which includes flowing movements linked with breath; a static practice in which postures are held for periods of time; and a meditative practice, in which the practitioner focuses on emptying the mind of extraneous thoughts. A qi gong practice may also involve diet and supplementation with Chinese herbs.
How it Works
The most basic belief of traditional Chinese medicine, the umbrella beneath which qi gong resides, is the human body is regulated by the flow of energy, or qi, which carries blood, oxygen and nutrients to the vital organs to maintain optimal physical health. Qi also effects mental health. Blockages or disturbances to the flow of qi throughout the body can lead to a wide range of health problems, both physically and mentally. Qi gong practitioners believe that the practice helps regulate the flow of qi in the body and encourages optimum physical and mental health.
Benefits
Sources report the ability of qi gong to heal everything from depression to cancer. Although research is still nascent, just like with any physical exercise, regular practice of qi gong has shown to produce positive benefits within the body, such as lowered blood pressure and reduced stress and depression. The Qigong Research and Practice Center emphasizes qi gong as a spiritual and emotional healing practice rather than a physical healing practice. According to The New York Times, "Qigong devotees report better sleep, less anxiety and increased energy. But the proof has lagged behind."
How to Learn Qi Gong
Although qi gong is still relatively unknown, compared to other practices like yoga, it is very likely that you can find a qi gong teacher in your area if you live in a city. According the the New York Times, some popular health clubs like Equinox are offering classes like Qigong Yoga, which mixes qi gong and yoga. If you live in a smaller city, look online for teachers who may be traveling to a city near you to give a workshop or class. As a last resort, you can look for books or videos on qi gong and attempt to start your own practice at home.
Member Comments
runestone0 July 16
Qigong?standing post meditation?helped me survive four bouts of supposedly terminal lymphoma cancer in the early nineties. It calmed my mind, energized my body, and empowered my will to withstand the high-dose chemo of two bone marrow transplants. Oncologists believed the cancer would relapse until it killed me. Clear 14 years and still practicing qigong daily!
Bob Ellal
Author, ?By These Things Men Live: Chronicles of a Four-Time Cancer Survivor?