Qigong For Health

Qigong is a system of spiritual, mental, and physical exercises that combine breathing techniques with stylized body movements to balance and enhance the physical body’s vital energy (Qi).

Qigong, which literally means “to work the qi” (life force) dates back its roots more than 2,000 years. During the Chou Dynasty (1122-221 B.B.), the Chinese practiced daoyin, a type of exercise that combined specific breathing techniques with body movements. In about the 6th century B.C , the remarkable Chinese philosopher Lao-tzu became legendary for his ability to consciously manipulate his qi. Early each morning, Lao-tzu was said to visualize his qi as it traveled through his body. He became so tuned in to the rhythms of his qi that he could sense when the rhythms had gone awry and correct the balance using only the force of his mind. When Buddhism swept out of India and into China during the later part of the Han Dynasty, the Buddhists brought with them the practice of yoga. The Chinse took yoga and combined it with their ancient practice of daoyin, and the theories of Lao-tzu. This is the beginning of what is known today as qigong.

Practitioners of qiqong believed it’s conscientious practice promoted long life, robost health, and physical fitness. It was also widely used as a treatment for various diseases, both for self-healing and to treat others. Those who treated others were called the qigong masters, people so adept at controlling the qi that they could manipulate it at will, even channeling it’s force outside the body. A qigong master is supposedly channels his qi energy through his or her hands to restore people who are ill.

The three most common qigong exercises are : the inward training exercise, the strengthening exercise, and the relaxation exercise. Movements include stretching and circular motions, performed either lying down, standing up, or sitting, depending upon the exercise. Because the movements are so gentle, nearly everyone can perform qigong, regardless of his or her level of physical fitness.