Qigong
Qigong (Chi Gong, Chi Kung) is an ancient Chinese health care system that involves physical postures, motion, breathing techniques, and mental focus. The term Qigong is made up of the Chinese words „qi“ meaning breath or vital energy, and „gong“ meaning accomplishment, or skill that is achieved through steady practice. Qigong therefore means to cultivate one’s energy or life force through practice.
In Chinese tradition there are thousands of methods and practices called Qigong, one of them, for instance, being Taijiquan. Other forms of Qigong are practiced in combination with Chinese martial arts, some forms are elaborate and complex, some are mysterious and esoteric, and some are simple and practical.
History of Qigong
Qigong has a long history in China. Written records date back as far as the Shang and Zhou dynasties, around 1500-500 B.C. In ancient China, people already believed that physical, metabolic, and mental functions could be enhanced through certain body movements and mental concentration combined with special breathing techniques. By exploring the natural range of motion through the joints, these movements were worked out, and also motions in imitation of various animals were added. Later, the practices became more standardized and were often associated with religious teachers. Over the centuries, new forms of Qigong were created and practiced by the different schools, Buddhist, Taoist, Confucian, Chinese medicine, and the Chinese martial arts.
Qigong Practices
Qigong practices may be classified as medical, martial, or spiritual. All styles have in common that they involve a posture, either moving or stationary, breathing techniques, and mental focus. With some practices the qi is increased, with others, it is circulated and used to cleanse and heal the body, yet others store or emit qi to help heal others. Practices can vary from the soft, internal styles such as Taijiquan, to the external, vigorous styles such as Gongfu (Kung Fu).
Some guidelines for practicing Qigong are: Wear comfortable clothing; do not eat anything an hour before and after practice; breathe correctly into your diaphragm; never force the movements; never over-exert yourself; keep the practice light and smooth; allow your qi to guide your movements; keep focused on the practice; always listen to your body; use visualizations to improve the benefits of the postures or movements; end each posture with a positive affirmation; seal in your qi before finishing the practice.
Therapeutic Properties of Qigong
Throughout history, Qigong has been employed as a method for strengthening the body and curing illness. Qigong’s main therapeutic properties lie in its regulation of the activity of the central nervous system and the cardio-vascular system, as well as the cerebral cortex. Qigong is also effective in correcting abnormal reactions of the organs and as a way of self-control over the physical functions of the body.
In the EEG (electro-encephalogram) there is a clear difference to be seen between practitioners and people who do not practice Qigong. Practitioners show a better synchronization of the „A“ wave band and a greater expansion of the low frequency wave band than non-practitioners. Practitioners of Qigong also have a better lung capacity than non-practitioners, and they show a lowered metabolism, which again helps to reduce the individual’s physical consumption of energy and provides the basis for the body to combat and defeat illness.