Qi Kong, or Qigong, is a system of exercises originating in China that cultivate and enhance the internal energy system for preventive and curative purposes. Medical Qigong is one of the Five Principals of Chinese Medicine, which comprise Acupuncture, Herbs, Tui-na (Chinese Massage), Food Therapy and Qigong. According to Nor A. Issacs, writing for the Qigong Institute, you can benefit from Qigong by strengthening your qi, or vital energy, which helps with stress management, weight loss and promoting good health.
History of Qi kong
The origins of Qigong can be traced to the merger of Indian Buddhism with ancient Chinese culture. From this collaboration, you start to see the beginnings of a system of exercises and meditative practices adapted by Chinese monks. Over the years it was modified to fit the needs of the many different medical and spiritual sects in China, including being considered one of the secret training methods in the Shaolin martial arts tradition. In the "Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine," written around 2,697 B.C. and considered a medical classic, Qigong is described as one of the most important foundations of good health.
Theory of Qi kong
The practice of Qigong allows you to enhance and balance the flow of vital energy or qi in the body. Through meditative practices and specialized exercises, you can channel the flow of qi to the vital organs, much as acupuncture stimulates the body's own healing mechanisms through the acupuncture meridians.Many different types of Qigong have evolved, but all revolve around the belief that if you practice the system of breathing and physical and mental exercises, you have the simple tools to increase vitality and promote a long and healthy life.
Tai Chi Ch'uan
There are hundreds of different types of Qigong. One of the most recognisable and famous is Tai Chi Ch'uan, which has a large following all over the world, including in the West. Like all the different types of Qigong, Tai Chi helps you calm the breath, center yourself and invigorate your vital energy, working to improve health with a mind-body approach to life. Other types of this martial art include Eight Pieces of Brocade, Five Animal Frolics, Swimming Dragon and Pa Kua, the Eight Animal form.
Benefits of Qi kong
Through a steady practice of Qigong, you can feel an improved vitality in life. More recent studies in the West attempt to link Qigong with more specific ailments and diseases. An article in the May 2009 issue of "Harvard Women's Health Watch" calls Tai Chi "medicine in motion" and has found it useful in improving a range of conditions including arthritis, heart disease and hypertension. According to the Qigong Institute website, a new study in the "Journal of the American Geriatric Society" reports a "striking immunity boosting effect" of Qigong.
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