Qigong

Qigong (pronounced "chee-gung") is a Chinese term which translates as "Energy Skill." Qi (pronounced "chē") is the Chinese word for the Energy which enables the Universe to function. It is the basis for "All Change". It can take many forms, including the "Life Force" which animates all living beings. Gong is the Chinese word for Skill or Work.

Notice that the Chinese believe that work is such an integral part of possessing a skill that they use the same word to mean both.

The art of Qigong is practiced for many reasons.

The basic essence of Qigong or Energy Skill is learning to conserve the "Qi" or Internal Energy we already possess, acquire and accumulate more and finally, manipulate it at will to empower and, hopefully, extend our lives.

It is also used by Martial Artists, especially in the Internal Martial Arts or Neijia, to develop more power and the arcane skills gungfu masters are known for.

A Word about the meaning of "Qi"

There is some confusion about Qigong. This is due to the many meanings of the word Qi.

"Qi" can mean breath or energy. This is because in ancient times, since people could not see oxygen, they believed we inhaled Qi or energy. Later, even after the discovery of air, the notion of breathing in some kind of Universal Cosmic Energy remained and this concept became synonymous with breathing in air.

Therefore to avoid confusion in this article, Qigong refers only to Internal Energy Skill and not just breathing.

Forms of Qigong

Qigong can take many forms. From simply learning to control our breathing to opening our Energy gates and emitting our Qi outside of our bodies.

At its most simple level, we can move our Qi through our bodies by moving our various body parts using our muscles, tendons and ligaments. This is the form of exercise and Qigong practiced by countless Chinese in their parks and recreation centers.

Even massage can be consider a passive form of Qigong. This is because the masseuse moves our Qi through our body for us.

Many forms of Qigong involve performing specific patterns of breathing which involve various combinations and durations of inhalations, exhalations and breath retention (both holding the breath in and holding it out). Some forms will require moving various body parts in conjunction with the breathing patterns and others will not.

These forms of Qigong are practiced for several reasons: Spiritual growth, Improving Health and Vitality, Sexual Enhancement, Martial Arts and Increased Power. The major difference among them is where the practitioner places his/her main intent and the spirit in which this intent is manifested.

It is also common to perform Muscle and Tendon Changing Exercises along with the breathing exercises. These exercises prepare the body to safely handle the increased power output.

Medical Qigong is also popular. In this form of "Qigong", a Qigong practitioner learns to use his/her Qi to help manipulate their patient's Qi by using various means from physical touch to mental manipulation.

Traditional Chinese Medicine states that all illnesses are caused of by an imbalance in a person's internal energy. Some of the common imbalances are:

1) Too much energy or too little internal energy in the whole system.

2) Too much or not enough Yin or Yang Energy associated with a particular internal organ.

3) A local energy blockage at a specific point which inhibits the free flow of the system's energy

In Medical Qigong, the patient may also be taught to manipulate his/her own Qi in certain ways for specific purposes.

At its highest levels, a Qigong master can move his/her Qi through the air using nothing but their Yi or Intention/Will Power.

Tools for practicing Qigong

Inhalation, Exhalation and Breath Retention are powerful tools which enable the practitioner to gather, store and circulate their Qi more efficiently throughout their body at will.

The Chinese consider everything to be Qigong. Considering that everything we do takes energy, they are correct. However, the level of one's Qigong is proportional to the amount of conscious intent one is using.

The amount of intent one can use is directly related to how much awareness one can maintain. Awareness can not remain without the ability to remain focused. The ability to remain focused requires Yi or Will Power. And finally, our Yi is empowered by our Shen or Spirit. This concept of Spirit does not refer to the Western concept of a person's soul. Rather, it refers to the concept of having an Indomitable Heart. It is just like the term we use when we speak of a Spirited Thoroughbred Horse or a fighter who refuses to give up and is referred to as having "Heart."

A focused mind with great Yi or Will Power may enable high level Qigong skills. However, without a Purified Heart, all that maybe accomplished are selfish desires and goals.

Therefore, True Qigong practice also requires one to practice purifying one's heart and mind.

As you have just read, Qigong actually encompasses every aspect of our lives: Our Physical, Energetic, Emotional, Moral and even Spiritual Well Being.

I have added Spiritual Well Being here in its common Western aspect. This is because if you have not made peace with your personal concept of Creation, I do not believe it is possible to be at ease enough to develop and experience true well being in any other aspect of your life.

Controversies About "Qigong"

The biggest controversy surrounding "Qigong" is whether or not "Qi" actually exists.

It has never been able to be shown to exist when accepted scientific procedures and standards have been followed by the testers. Therefore, although there are scientifically accepted documented changes in test subjects who have performed "Qigong" as part of many rigorous tests, "Qi" can not be used to explain these changes by the testers, since "Qi" has not yet be proven to exist.

This leaves the cause of the changes open to debate.

Unfortunately, given its nebulous, indeed sometimes almost spiritual quality of, existence; "Qigong" has been subject to exploitation by far too many charlatans looking to earn money and fame by defrauding their students and/or clients.

To make matters even more confusing, is the existence of many true hearted practitioners who believe in their "Qigong" ability and yet are guilty of fooling themselves as well as the public.

In spite of the above, there are many accepted, and in the author's opinion, legitimate "Masters" of "Qigong".

In an effort to help legitimize "Qigong" and its practitioners, the National Qigong Association or NQA, has developed qualifications and standards for for those claiming to be "Qigong" teachers and practitioners.

External Links

The National Qigong Association [1]