Description

Qigong is an ancient Chinese discipline that uses breathing,
meditation, visualization, and repetitive physical
exercises to balancing and strengthen the body.
Translated from the Chinese, qigong literally means “energy excise.”
It is believed that this form of traditional Chinese medicine
(TCM) promotes health and vitality by strengthening the
flow of qi (energy) throughout the body.

Although the martial arts, different than tai chi and kung fu, is
more a discipline practice to keep the body in harmony rather
than as a method of self-defense which ask more for speed.

There are two types of qigong: internal and external.
Internal qigong is practiced by individuals themselves to
promote self-healing. External qigong is a form that similar to Ragi
therapy that involves the transfer of qi from a qigong master
to another person for curative purposes. The master may touch
areas on the other person’s body or simply pass his hands over
the body. The extra qi received by the beneficiary is said to
balance the person’s life force and promote healing.

Internal qigong can be practiced by anyone, and like tai chi,
is often done by the elderly to maintain flexibility, balance,
and general vitality. (Many people find it easier to do than
tai chi.) While learning from an instructor is best, many
people start off teaching themselves from a book or videotape.

There are thousands of different qigong exercises.
Instructors use the word “form” to refer to a specific
sequence of individual exercises that are traditionally
performed together. The exercises may consist of simple
movements designed to teach improved breathing or more
complex exercises, similar to calisthenics, that can affect
functions such as heart rate and blood pressure. The exercises
are typically done standing, sitting, lying down, or while
walking. Although forms encompass a broad range of movements,
they all call for three essential ingredients: relaxation,
concentration, and controlled breathing.

In addition to strengthening one’s qi, practicing internal
qigong can improve physical fitness by strengthening the
heart and enabling it to pump more oxygen-rich blood with
each beat. Furthermore, it is believed that the meditative
aspects of qigong can reduce stress and enhance general well-being.