Qigong has several different spellings and different interpretations. Qi or chi is life force energy, similar to prana of Ayurvedic medicine. Gong or Kung translates as work or effort. So in a matter of speaking, Qi Gong is working (increasing and controlling) the energy life force. Qigong can also be called Nei Kung (Internal Kung Fu).
The Encyclopaedia of Chinese Medicine defines Qigong as "the conscious and systematic development of vital energy" and parallels qigong practices with yoga, Kundalini practices, Chiti, and Ki.
Qigong is a method used to improve health and to develop greater power for martial arts and to achieve enlightenment.
Is Qigong a Fake?
Some people doubt the existence of chi. They can only see and understand the external form. To these people, Qigong may sound like quackery or another way for tricksters to make money. However, there are many serious practitioners and masters of Qigong whose reputation for healing and Qigong mastery has been well documented. Among these masters are Dr Yang Jwing-Ming, Mantak Chia, Professor Peng-Si Yu and Sifu Wong Kiew Kit.
Formally, Qigong secrets were handed down from father to son, or from master to student. Chi’s existence was not commonly spoken about and in the West and all experiences that were outside the laws of the Church were persecuted and eradicated. There is a lot of fear in the Western mind about believing or even considering believing in something that not so long ago could get one thrown in to prison or worse.
Qigong in History
The history of documented Qigong goes back about five thousand years and is a vibrant and growing system of study. Many of the discoveries of Qigong were kept secret in monasteries and have only been released as sacred texts in the last 50 or so years.
Qigong’s history begins with the observation of chi; the observation of external chi in nature and the internal awareness of chi within the body. Names were given to the three main energetic forces, man, earth and heaven.
Throughout the last 5000 years, Qigong has gathered in strength from embracing different techniques of energy cultivation (Daoist, Buddhist, Medical and Scholarly input) and having lived through periods when Chinese Medicine was supported by those in power.
Today Qigong is a thriving industry that has its tentacles reaching into all walks of life.
The Five Schools of Qigong Theory
There are many systems of Qigong studied in China, however they can be traditionally grouped into five main categories.
- Taoist Qigong: strengthen body and mind. Emphasises the relationship between the individual and the environment.
- Buddhist Qigong: improve moral discipline and ultimately leads to enlightenment.
- Confucian Qigong: regulate of the mind for tranquillity and improved moral character
- Medical Qigong: prevent disease, enhance health and increase long life.
- Martial Qigong: build a student’s inner strength against inner and outer attack and improve strength for martial arts.
Qigong and the Chi Meridians
Chi is not a random energy within the human body, but rather the life force energy that follows designated pathways known as meridians. The study of Qigong cultivates the flow of chi within the body. When people feel unwell, there is a corresponding problem within their energetic body. Qigong exercises help to maintain optimal flow of chi and therefore of health.
There are two main vessels, 12 main channels and many small tributaries in the human body. The main channels connect the internal organs with different parts of the body. Some of the channels come very close to the skin, and in some places they are more sensitive than others. These are known as cavities and are the "points" in acupuncture that are used to stimulate the entire system.
The Encyclopaedia of Chinese Medicine states that in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), "all disease is considered to be a lack of Qi, an imbalance of Qi, or an interruption of Qi flowing smoothly."
Qigong and Yin/Yang Theory
Along with the chi meridians, Yin/Yang theory is part of understanding how Qigong works. According to Yin/Yang theory, everything has Yin and Yang properties. For example, on inhalation, one draws breath into the body (considered a Yin movement) and on exhalation, one expels air from the body (considered a Yang movement). Sometimes, a short inhalation combined with a long exhalation is an indication of imbalanced chi.
The theory of five elements is part of Yin/Yang theory. These elements are metal, wood, water, fire and earth. Briefly, humans are a part of nature and they also interact with the different elements. Qigong is a complex study of the underlying force of life.
Qigong is the cultivation of the life force energy. It has its roots in China and has blossomed into a study that can help maintain health and also enhance all of life’s activities.
For more information about the Qigong and Taoism, read Origins of Lohan Qigong and Essential Reading for Understanding Taoism.
Sources:
Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming Qigong The Secret of Youth YMAA Publication Center, Boston, 2000
Chia, Mantak Chi Self-Massage Healing Tao Books1986 USA
Chia, Mantak Taoist Ways to Transform Stress into Vitality 1985 USA
Kaptchuk, Ted J. Chinese Medicine Rider, London, (1983) 1997, London
Douglas, Bill The Complete Idiot’s Guide to T’ai Chi and Qigong 2002, USA
Jwing-Ming, Dr. Yang. Chi King Health and Martial Arts YMAA, 1985, 1995. USA
Dr Duo Gao, The Encyclopaedia of Chinese Medicine, Seven Oaks 1997, Spain
Tiffany Jones - Born: Black Rock, Melbourne, Australia, 1971 Current Residence: Granollers, Catalonia Work: Yoga, Qigong, Meditation Instructor, ...
