Qigong is a form of Chinese meditation and exercise intended to help the mind, spirit, and body. The first time I tried it, I fell in love with the practice. A fellow yoga teacher and I became friends, and as it turned out, he was also a martial arts and Qigong instructor. And as I later found out, he’d also spent many years in Nepal as a Buddhist monk. I began taking his classes, and the peace that overcame me in every way was profound. There is evidence that it does in fact have health benefits. Let’s take a look at what Qigong is, and how it helps.
Qigong is an ancient art going back at least 2000 years.
However, it has only been referred to in North America by this term since the 1950s. It had been called by various names prior to that, and had been used as a form of therapy. The most commonly used early name was dao-yin, which can be interpreted as “leading and guiding the energy.” The earliest known qigong-like movements were animal dances. I love dance, and I love yoga – which of course utilized plenty of animal influences in its postures (asanas). Pronounced “chee-gung,” is a combination of the Chinese words “qi” (energy) and “gong” (practice or work).
There is also neidan (internal alchemy), neigong (internal skill), xingqi (circulating qi), zhan zhuang (standing meditation), tuna (exhalation and inhalation), lianyang (refining and nourishing).
Practitioners of Qigong, like those who practice other Chinese meditative exercises, often refer to the body’s “qi” or life-force. Qigong is a series of exercises meant to harmonize the body, mind and spirit and aims for unification of body forces. In particular, it aims to harmonize the spiritual and physical energies. When this kind of harmony is achieved, health and vitality occur as a natural result. Practitioners and proponents of Qigong claim that it is a way to wellness. It enhances immunity, improves circulation and blood flow, and promotes a sense of calm.
The practice of Qigong can be applied to specific purposes, depending on the intent of the practice. For example, some refer to Sports Qigong, others to Martial Qigong, and still others to Spiritual Qigong. It seems that Qigong is an adaptable art, able to be tailored for the needs of the individual.
So What Does Qigong Involve?
Strengthens Physical Discipline
Students of Qigong learn the art of meditation, breath control, and specific physical movements. There are specific body positions for sitting, lying, standing, and walking.
Breath control and various means of controlling the flow of breath are key components of the practice. There are even certain breathing techniques intended to target specific illnesses. Students are also expected to quell excessive physical indulgence in such activities as smoking and drinking alcohol.
Strengthens Spiritual and Mental Discipline
Students learn the basic skill of concentration and the art of meditation to enter a state of quiet calm. External stimuli are deliberately filtered out as the student focuses on the center of his body or the rhythm of her breathing. Through meditation, the student cultivates patience and perseverance.
If you are fairly new to meditation and would like to have a deeper practice, check out my post on 11 Styles of Meditation. Hopefully you will find some information to help you choose which style will work best for you.
How Does Qigong Enhance Health?
The therapeutic effects have much to do with the areas of the body that are targeted by the exercise. Qigong activates the cerebral cortex, the central nervous system, and the circulatory system. The specific positions and breathing techniques are said to have a “massaging effect” on the internal organs, particularly those organs located in the abdomen. Qigong teaches students that they can achieve self-control over their body’s physicality.
The rhythms of modern life mean most of us spend a LOT of time sitting. Many of us could do with putting our bodies in motion more often. Movement helps us to engage our creative muscles, and care for our emotional and spiritual well being.
And for many of us, life’s general stressors are at an all-time high. This can lead to a sense of stagnation — not just within your body, but in your mind too. I really enjoyed this free workshop on Zang Fu Gong (a graceful and empowering form of Qigong) with a wonderful teacher named Daisy Lee. Maybe you’ll enjoy it too.
For thousands of years, practitioners of Zang Fu Gong have reported a variety of noticeable health benefits. These benefits include stronger immunity and less downtime during illnesses. They have also reported more emotional stability. Some have reported reaching and maintaining a healthy weight. All of this along with improved circulation, more energy, and greater intuition – what’s not to love?
More than anything, Qigong can show you how to take responsibility for your own care and well being. This is all with a gentle, effective practice that’s easy to incorporate into your daily life.
In a world where so much is out of your control, making small but significant changes remains a powerful way to make meaningful and lasting transformations to your health and happiness.
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