Qigong: A Millenia-Old Health Exercise

Qigong, or chi kung, is a traditional Chinese health exercise that combines movement, breathing, and meditation. For thousands of years, Qigong masters practiced and refined Qigong exercise, and teach people to strengthen muscles, clear the mind, and unlock their potential.

Qigong has many health benefits and is very easy to practice. You can do it at any time or place. Take a few minutes every day to do some Qigong breathing and movement exercise. You may not notice any day-to-day difference. However, persistent practice will definitely reward you with amazing improvements in your health.

History of Qigong

Throughout history, Qigong has always been integrated with Chinese philosophy and religions. Chinese history suggests Qigong was originated from the traditional dance moves, and the idea of Qi (life energy) was derived. The legendary Emperor Huangdi (the Yellow Emperor) practiced dance and breathing every day. His concept of Qigong was recorded in the earliest comprehensive collection of Chinese medical practice Huangdi Neijing (Esoteric Scripture of the Yellow Emperor). As time goes on, Qigong not only plays an important role in Chinese traditional medicine, Confucianism, Daoism, and Buddhism, but it also becomes a good meditation tool and self-defense technique.

The Principles of Qigong

Qigong balances your energy flow and enhances functionality in your body and mind through health-oriented practices. Different exercises will bring distinct physiological changes, but the core is to use the mind to control the body, reaching the state of mind-body syncretism.

Qigong has three main elements in its practice: body, breathing, and mind. By adjusting these three elements, you can take full control over yourself, both mentally and physically. First, you need to be mindful in order to realize what you are doing and what you are going to do while ignoring any outside interference. Then you should be able to control your breath and movement, or in other words, control your muscles. Your breath and movement in turn give feedback to your mind. With enough practice, your mind and body will be unified, and you can say you have total control of yourself.

The Functions of Qigong

1.Unblock Meridians and Regulate Qi and Blood
Meridians are an independent system that connects the internal organs and transport Qi and blood. Qi and blood are subtle but vital substances that sustain your body functions. Through physical activity, breathing regulation, and mind control, Qigong can unblock the meridians throughout the body, enhance the flow of Qi and blood, and improve the functions of tissues and organs of the human body.

2.Establish the Positive and Remove the Negative
Traditional Chinese medicine believes that “While positive Qi is inside, negative Qi cannot enter.” That is to say, whether external negative Qi can cause disease in the body depends on the state of the body itself. Qigong can charge the body with positive Qi, boosting your overall health and immunity.

3.Increase Intelligence and Unlock Your Potential
Human behavior is regulated by the central nervous system. Under the guidance of the mind, Qigong can balance your central nervous system by relaxing and calming your mind so that your brain can work to its full potential, enhancing the body’s physiological functions. Consequently, it may help to increase intelligence, improve your memory, and boost academic and sports performance.

Forms of Qigong

There are many forms of Qigong, and the most popular ones are:
Muscle-Tendon Change Classic (Yi Jin Jing)
Five Animals Frolics (Wu Qin Xi)
Six Healing Sounds (Liu Zi Jue)
Eight Pieces of Brocade (Ba Duan Jin)
Tai Chi Health Staff (Tai Ji Yang Sheng Zhang)
Twelve Pieces of Brocade (Shi Er Duan Jin)
Daoyin Health Exercise (Dao Yin Yang Sheng Gong)
Mawangdui Daoyin (Ma Wang Dui Dao Yin Shu)
The Grand Dance (Da Wu)

These different traits of Qigong were designed and developed from ancient records written by numerous famous doctors, physiologists, physical therapists, and martial artists to ensure their safety and health benefits.

Practicing Qigong is definitely beneficial. It will empower your body and sharpen your mind. It is free, easy, and does not require much time. You do not have to take classes. There are countless Qigong videos online. You just need to pay attention to the posture and learn it in the proper way. You can practice movement and breathing on your own. So, it is time to add Qigong to your exercise routine!