Chi Exercise

According to traditional Chinese philosophy and medicine, chi, also spelled “qi,” is the energy or life force that surrounds and permeates all things. Roger Jahnke, doctor of traditional Chinese medicine, argues in his book, “The Healing Promise of Qi,” that in modern scientific terms, the concept of chi includes the electromagnetic energy generated by the body. All living things draw chi naturally from the environment. Chi exercise aims to create the conditions for good health by allowing you to draw chi more abundantly, and dissolving any mental, emotional or physical blocks to its free circulation.

Philosophy

The foundation of chi exercise is Taoism, a Chinese system of thought that encompasses medicine, metaphysics, ethics and politics. According to Patrick Michael Byrne’s translation of the “Tao Te Ching,” Lao Tzu, who lived in the 6th century BC, wrote about cultivating chi by remaining as supple as a child, a common goal of practices like tai chi and chi kung. Chuang Tzu, a Taoist sage who expanded on the teachings of Lao Tzu in the 3rd or 4th century BC, stated in his writings that the essence of chi cultivation depends on abandoning worldly affairs and harmonizing with nature.

History

Records of Taoist sages who attempted to manipulate chi in order to maximize their health and longevity date back far into ancient Chinese history. Lao Tzu wrote in the “Tao Te Ching” about ancient masters who worked on the problem of cultivating chi more than 4,700 years ago, according to Derek Lin, translator of the “Tao Te Ching.”

Refinements

As methods of chi cultivation developed throughout the centuries, they fell under the blanket concept of Taoist alchemy. Eva Wong, practitioner of Taoist arts and translator of “The Dragon-Tiger Classic,” a 15th century work, notes that in addition to medicinal and sexual techniques, sages sought to transform their bodies through a practice called “internal alchemy.” Internal alchemy involves the concentration of chi in the body through exercise, and includes disciplines like tai chi and ba gua, according to Bruce Kumar Frantzis, practitioner of Taoist arts since 1961 and author of “The Power of Internal Martial Arts.”

Types

You’ll find many varieties of chi exercise from which to choose. Tai chi, bagua or paqua, hsing-i and chi kung are some traditional forms. Classes in these arts usually include training in a set of movements, instruction in technique, and lessons in meditation. These traditional forms often view chi cultivation as a lifelong practice. Modern variations on chi exercise include Nia, which borrows from tai chi, tai kwon do and aikido, among other disciplines, to help participants get in touch with their bodies.

Considerations

Some people seeking chi exercise without effort turn to devices like the “chi machine,” which seeks to encourage the circulation of chi by shaking the body vigorously. Although such devices might be fun, they are unlikely to produce the results you’re looking for in chi exercise. A major component of chi cultivation theory includes the idea that chi follows thought, and is intimately connected with your conscious awareness. Any activity that doesn’t engage your mind as well as your body is unlikely to engage chi.