June 18th, 2008What is Qigong?
Qigong is a Chinese movement and breathing discipline which is practiced all over the world, by Chinese and non-Chinese alike. There are many different styles of qigong, including the famous tai chi, all of which focus on slightly different end goals, ranging from fitness for martial arts to maintaining healthy bodies in the elderly. This movement discipline is a topic of controversy in some areas, with people arguing about its benefits and potential applications, although many people agree that regular qigong practice is probably healthy.
The practice of qigong goes back to at least 500 CE, and it is probably much older, judging from depictions of qigong-like activities in Chinese art. Qigong has long been practiced as part of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), a holistic healing art which integrates a number of different approaches to medical treatment. In China, qigong classes are offered at many hospitals for the benefit of patients, and regular qigong practice takes place in many public squares. Outside of China, qigong classes can be found in a variety of locations, from schools to city parks.
There are two important aspects to qigong. One involves movement of the body, taking the body through a series of flowing poses. The other involves the regulation of breathing. Together, the breathing and movement is meant to focus and calm the body, generating a sense of well being in the practitioner while also improving strength, flexibility, and range of motion. Together, the movement and breathing of qigong exercises is meant to cultivate internal energy, or qi.
The controversy over qigong comes from the debate over its precise benefits. Most people in both East and West can agree that gigong is good for the body, especially for the elderly, because it is one way to get active, and it is very gentle, making it suitable for elderly and disabled people. Some people also say that qigong has spiritual benefits, equating it with metaphysical concepts, while others simply say that it encourages a calm state of being. Claims about qigong’s ability to harness energy or the forces of nature are viewed skeptically in many communities.
You may also see qigong spelled as chi gung or chi kung. However you spell it, chances are that there is a practitioner near you, if you are interested in learning more. Many casual qigong societies meet in the mornings on weekends in public areas, and welcome drop-ins, and you can also take a more structured qigong class. You can use your favorite search engine to search for “qigong” and your area to find a local group. If you can’t find local qigong sessions, you can take advantage of books and tapes to learn the basics, if you wish to practice on your own.
Tags: chi gong, chi kung, qi, tai chi, tcm, traditional chinese medicine