What is Qigong?
The word Qigong is the combination of Qi and Gong: Qi is vitality, energy, life force, Gong is practice, cultivation, refine; Qigong means to cultivate and refine one's life force through practice. There are thousands of kinds of Qigong. Qi means the essential functional energy of life. It also means Bio-electrical breath. It is the Qi or life force that maintains the healthy and harmonious function of the human body's self regulating systems.
Qigong is the practice of activating, refining and circulating the human bio-electical field. Because the bio electrical field maintains and supports the function of the organs and tissues, Qigong can have a profound effect on health. Qigong expands into a discipline of mental and spiritual development. The qigong paths we pursue include the healthy individual maintaining health, those in need of healing and the individual who is seeking spiritual development.
Foundations
The foundation of Qigong and TCM theory states that the main ingredient of practice is that intention (Yi) directs the movement of Qi, which in turn directs the flow of blood in the body. Increased or decreased electrical activity in specific areas of the body determines blood flow and fluid balance, accumulation and dispersal of substances. For health maintenance, Qigong practitioners do not have to be experts. Almost anyone can learn to practice Qigong to maintain and improve his or her own health. The objective of the exercises is to strengthen the Qi in the body and remove obstructions to Qi flow that may have developed due to injury, emotional states, diet, disease or other factors. Traditional Chinese Medicine[TCM] states that the obstruction of Qi flow can produce disease.
- The practice of Qigong is the act of bringing awareness and skill to direct the function and movement of Qi.
- The correct movement of Qi is a force that engages the body’s natural tendency toward balance.
- Continued practice provides reinforcement of the body’s inclination toward balance and toward optimal use of all its functions and potential.
