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The Taijitu (Yin/Yang Symbol)
太極拳
Qi,
which is another way of spelling 'Chi' is the Chinese name for
the animating life force energy of the body which gives us the
power to walk, talk and think and Gong means 'the power to
produce an effect' and so Chi Gong means 'Energy Work'.
You've probably seen Qi Gong spelt a number of different ways
but whether it is Qi Gong, Qi Kung, Chi Gong, Chi Gong or
another other way of spelling it, it is all the same. But it
is pronounced "Chee Gong".
Qi Gong
is an ancient Chinese form of exercise which consists of
standing and moving meditations for both the body and the
mind as well as a correct way of breathing which gets the Chi
circulating round our bodies helping us to improve our health,
prevent illness, strengthen the body and also help us to
develop spiritually. The history of Qi Gong can be dated back
as far as four thousand years. It is an ancient science
combining the knowledge of traditional Chinese medicine and
Chinese philosophy. To the Chinese, Qi Gong is considered a
national treasure. it is looked upon as a tool to combat
various diseases and as a way to develop a healthier body.
There
are 460 movements in the Qi Gong and related Tai Chi programs.
Breathing techniques help the Chi to flow. It is self healing
and can lead to the connection of the mind, body and spirit.
Just
like our Chakras are connected to meridians in our body, so
the energy channels of different Qi Gong exercises are
connected to meridians.
Qi
Gong is easy to learn and does not take much time or space to
perform. Practice will develop a smooth, strong flow of blood
and energy throughout the body. In actual fact, Qi Gong does
the same as what acupuncture does and was the forefather of
acupuncture.
Qi
Gong does the same as what acupuncture and acupressure
(Shiatsu) do... it gets the Chi moving and gets us healthy and
helps us stay healthy.
In
our bodies we have 3 main energy centres which we concentrate
on:
Lower Dantien:
this is below and behind the navel, where chi
for action comes
from
Middle
Dantien:
behind the Solar Plexus, affected by emotions
Upper
Dantien:
behind mid point between the
eyebrows, where
all thoughts are
received (the third eye Chakra)
When
practicing Qi Gong correctly abdominal breathing is very
important. You should attempt to breathe more deeply than
usual but remember to never force the breath.
Taoist
Breathing:
Strengthens acquired Chi
from food and air
Activates the lower
Dantien energy centre and enables Chi
to travel from there to other parts of the body
Here is
a small Qi Gong breathing exercise:
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Inhale
and gently expand the lungs with air and allow the upper
part of the chest to expand, then let the middle part of
the lungs and rib cage expand, finally the abdomen area
as you feel the diaphragm muscle expand down.
When
you exhale, allow the upper chest to collapse and empty,
then the middle area, then the lower area of the
abdomen. Follow through by pulling the diaphragm muscle
upwards so that it pushes all air out of the lungs.
Try
being conscious of your breathing whilst walking,
waiting for the bus etc. - you will feel a gradual
improvement and with time Qi Gong breathing will become
automatic, both, when awake and asleep.
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Your mind discovers how to open
up and become more finely attuned to what is happening within
you and outside of you, as well as to how these things are
connected. You can gain awareness of your health, your body's
movement, any tension or stress, particular feelings, or your
relationship to the world that you move through. This
awareness is the first step in allowing you to take control of
anything that may need action, such as releasing stress or
healing a disease, and can be the key to healthy longevity.
Qi Gong
is the key component of traditional Chinese medicine which has
a history of five thousand years (in record), and can be
divided approximately into four major periods.
(1)
The period of united heaven,
earth and man (before 206 BC):
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This period was marked out historically by the book �Yi
Jing� (Book of Changes) introduced in 1122 BC, which
talked about Qi, the concepts of the natural energies
and the integration of Heaven, Earth, and Man. |
(2)
The period of Qi Gong mixed
with religion (206 BC � 500 AD):
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During Han dynasty (206 BC) Buddhism and meditation
methods were imported from India, which brought Qi
Gong practice and meditation into the religious Qi Gong
era. |
(3)
The period of martial art Qi Gong (500 AD -- 557):
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In
the Liang dynasty (502- 557 Ad), it was discovered that
Qi Gong could be used for martial-art purposes. From
1911 on, Chinese Qi Gong training was mixed with Qi Gong
practices from India, Japan and many other countries
because of the ease of communication in the modern
world. (Source: Jwing-Ming Yang, Qi Gong for Arthritis). |
(4) The period of
modern Qi Gong research:
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(1980s - present). As more and more Qi Gong
practitioners came out to show the public their amazing
abilities and to teach the public to practice Qi Gong,
it gradually emerged from the traditional secret
transmission into a practice found in the public domain
and scientific research. |
Since
1978, medical workers and Qi Gong masters all over China have
made vigorous efforts to popularise Qi Gong for health
preservation and disease prevention. Some scientists and
technicians have not only studied Qi Gong in terms of
physiology, biochemistry, and modern medicine, but they have
also conducted multi-disciplinary research efforts to analyse
the physical effect of outgoing Qi. A study on the nature and
essence of Qi Gong has thus been initiated, and Qi Gong, as a
new branch of science, has entered a period of vigorous
development. Qi Gong research societies, hospitals and
departments have been established to research, teach and use
Qi Gong. Qi Gong practice and study have become commonplace
throughout China.
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