QIGONG

What is Qigong?

Qigong is an ancient Chinese health-care system that integrates physical postures, breathing techniques, and focused intention to improve energy flow.  The Chinese have practiced qigong for over 5,000 years old.  It is not the same thing as T’ai Chi, which is a Martial Art, and is a more recent development. 

 The word qigong (or chi kung) is made up of two Chinese characters.  Qi (pronounced "chee") is usually translated to mean the life force or the vital energy that flows through all things in the universe.  The second word, gong (pronounced "gung") means accomplishment or skill that is cultivated though steady practice.  Together, qigong means cultivating energy.  It is a system practiced for health maintenance, healing, increased vitality, and spiritual cultivation.  The variety of styles permit a variety of ways to practice – qigong can be done seated, standing and/or lying down.  Health benefits can be achieved in a short period of time.

What are the benefits?

This is a Chinese health care practice that is easy and fun to do, available to even those in a wheelchair. As an ancient healing art Qigong decreases stress and improves health and vitality. According to Oriental medical philosophy, it is both an art and a science.  As a science, there is extensive research on the benefits of qigong in lowering blood pressure, increasing blood circulation, improving digestion, increasing cardiovascular strength, reducing stress levels and balancing the immune system.  These gentle, slow movements are especially geared for those people with injuries, chronic conditions, and reduced flexibility, to enable them to gain greater mobility. For more information, you can consult The Qigong Database TM for Mac and IBM/DOS compatible computers. It has bibliographic references for more than 1,000 qigong scientific abstracts. For information, contact Ken Sancier, PhD, Qigong Institute, 561 Berkeley Avenue, Menlo Park, Ca., 94025 at www.qigonginstitute.org. Kenneth Cohen's, "The Way of Qigong: The art and science of Chinese energy healing", and Dan Benor's "Healing Research", are also good resources.

Who is it for?

Qigong is for everyone.

Students with fibromyalgia, those with chronic conditions and recuperating from injury, have reported the lessening or elimination of their symptoms with consistent qigong practice.  The visualization, breathing techniques, and physical postures of qigong promote relaxation and re-energize the body.

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