What is Qi Gong?

Qi Gong is an ancient Chinese system of meditation and well being that integrates breathing techniques, physical postures and exercises, and focused intention. The words qi gong are written in Chinese with two characters: Qi (chee) and Gong (kung). Qi is usually translated to mean the pervasive electromagnetic vital energy that flows through all things in the universe. Qi is known in other cultures as ki, prana, ruach, orgone energy, life force, or akasha, and implies a direct association with breath. Gong refers to the experience of cultivation, practice, working or playing with. So, Qi Gong describes the practice of cultivating subtle energy in the body through the breath. In this sense, it is an internal exercise that has many forms, including standing, sitting, moving, lying, and walking.

History of Qi Gong

There is an abundance of historical evidence that indicates that qi gong was practiced in Central China at least three to four thousand years ago. Most theorists agree that the ancient Taoist shamans had developed a spiritual and self-healing practice that they based on imitating the movements of animals. About two thousand years ago, advances in Chinese understanding of physiology and energetics led to the evolution of qi gong as a medical tool. Many styles developed that were specific to prevention of certain diseases, arising from the mapping of the meridian system, through which qi flows in the body. Martial artists also used qi gong to build power and balance, resulting in the emergence of kung fu. Today, qi gong is extremely common in China, where an estimated 200 million people practice daily. It has become increasingly more popular in the United States as Western science now has the technology to measure some of the energetic effects, and thus "prove" what has always been known by the practitioners.

Benefits of Qi Gong

For people of all ages, qi gong practice has many rewards, including but by no means limited to: relaxation and coordination of body, mind, and spirit, sense of unity with all things, overall vitality, strength and flexibility in the musculo-skeletal system, enhanced sensory perception and reflexes, deeper concentration, stronger immune system function, organ cleansing, improved cellular regeneration and quicker healing, balanced emotions, and elevated states of consciousness. Increasing energetic awareness allows one to sense blockages and release them before they manifest as physical ailments. In China, numerous qi gong research hospitals have opened, where patients are treated for diseases from cancer to organ failure to broken bones, with very high success rates. Qi gong is certain to be at the forefront of a worldwide movement toward self-healing and higher consciousness.