Qigong is considered to be the ancient root of traditional Chinese medical practices going back 5,000 years. According to Dr. Roger Yahnke, an expert on qigong, qigong is not exercise but is a form of meditation. Doing the slow, deliberate repetitions of qigong is not the focus. The focus of qigong is on the three intentful corrections that are to lengthen the spine or promote posture, deepen the breath and to clear the mind or visualize healing.
First Intentful Correction
Qigong workouts begin with the first intentful correction, which is mindful adjustment that involves body posture. Qigong can be performed while walking, sitting, standing or lying down. Careful attention should be given to the alignment of the spine and consciousness of where the body is in space. When performing such movements as the traditional Tuoa, careful attention to posture is important. During the Tuoa, movement rocks were traditionally held in the hands to make certain the palms were always facing upward.
Second Intentful Correction
Proper breathing is the second intentful correction. Proper breathing practices in qigong involve abdominal breathing where during the inhale the lower abdomen moves outward before the chest. The abdomen contracts on exhale. During the movement called Inner Rivers Flowing, first attention should be to the posture. The spine should be carefully aligned and the left foot moved forward as the arms and hands move outward. Breathing should be monitored so that it is regular and in conjunction with each slow, progressive movement.
Third Intentful Correction
The heart of qigong is in the third intentful correction of qigong, which involves mindful meditation. The purpose of mindful meditation is to reduce stress by being conscious of the immediate moment. This is achieved by proper posture, proper breathing and mindfully stripping away all emotions and awareness of the conflicts of life while performing slow deliberate movements. During the meditation with slow, deliberate movements, the body demands more oxygen, which helps to regulate the oxygen/carbon dioxide balance. The deep breathing will dilate the blood vessels so that the heart does not have to work so hard. All of this combined will create a sense of well-being while slowly exercising the body.
Member Comments
runestone0 July 23
Standing post meditation qigong not only helped me beat four bouts of supposedly terminal cancer in the early nineties (clear 14 years and still practicing), it also helps me manage the pain left by the bone cancer to my skeleton. It also keeps me on an even keel to better deal with life's slings and arrows.
Bob Ellal