“Qigong is the art and science of refining and cultivating internal energy”
Kevin Cohen
Qigong is an ancient healing system that forms one of the major branches of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) along with acupuncture, moxibustion, massage, diet and herbal therapy. Qigong is a practice that involves sequences of breathing, postural and movement exercises that are performed in a meditative state and serve as a purpose for improving health conditions and enhance spiritual cultivation.
Qigong shares the same philosophical principles as traditional Chinese medicine with its root being both Taoist and Buddhist cosmology. The ancient theories of Taiji (yin yang), five element, three treasures and Zang Fu are all associated with Qigong practices and give the practitioner/student a concept to which they can direct their intention towards.
Qigong exercises are usually performed in a slow, coordinated and relaxed manner to stimulate an even, free-flow of Qi (vital energy) and blood throughout the body. According to traditional Taoist texts, Qi is believed to be cultivated and stored in three main Dan Tian centres and travels throughout the body in twelve main meridians with numerous smaller branches and tributaries. These twelve main meridians correspond to the twelve main organs (Zang Fu). Each of the main meridians run through and is associated with corresponding muscles, bones, joints, tissue and cells.
Ancient Taoist and Buddhist scholars became obsessed with understanding the anatomy and physiology of Qi and the meridians and slowly through time developed many dynamic and meditative systems to increase physical health and enhance martial performance.
Just like TCM, Qigong focuses on correcting any disharmonies and diseases which can be identified in terms of deficiency, excess, hot, cold, interior, exterior, yin and yang. Through harmonizing energies (eg yin balancing yang) a practitioner can create a balanced flow of Qi and blood in the body, increasing their resistance to external pathogens. A person is believed to become ill or die when their Qi becomes diminished, blocked or overwhelmingly unbalanced. In the Yellow Emperors classic (Huang Di Neijing), it was said
“if there is free flow, there is no pain. If there is pain, there is no free flow”.
A healthy physical body is said to be a result of a healthy supply and circulation of Qi, free of blockages and imbalance. Qigong works through the practitioner guiding his/her intention internally (meditation) and stimulating the main meridians through (external) dynamic movements to balance both internal and external energy. When practiced mindfully and with skill, the Qigong practitioner can influence and improve both their supply andcirculation of Qi, restoring harmony and order to their body and mind.
Consistent practice of Qigong will manifest in a variety of health benefits such as improved energy levels, increased strength and flexibility, quicker recovery times, mental clarity, better sleep and a deeper awareness of internal energy and emotional balance. Once the practitioner has cultivated enough Qi, he/she may begin practicing other forms of Qigong that work on deeper levels of the mind (Nei Gong) or directing Qi therapeutically in patients (Medical Qigong).
So, if you have been thinking of starting Qigong for health purposes, this is a great start in understanding the intention of the practitioner and gives you a basic idea of this medicine functions.
Classes are posted on the ‘About’ page for information about how to get started.
In Tao
Nicholas
Founder of Wuji Medicine