Qigong

Qigong (pronounced "chee-gung") is a Chinese term which translates as "energy skill," or skill in the manipulation of qi. It has applications in traditional Chinese medicine and in martial arts. With respect to mainstream medicine, it is considered an unproven healing technique and part of complementary and alternative medicine. In the martial arts, qigong principles underlie various visualization techniques used to improve concentration, breathing, and power. Tai chi is a related discipline that has both health and martial aspects.

Studies of tai chi and qigong have been evaluated as exercise techniques for health promotion; a meta-analysis considered the disciplines together.

History

"Qi" can mean both breath and energy. This is because in ancient times, since people could not see air or oxygen, they believed we inhaled qi, or energy. Later, even after the discovery of air, the notion of breathing in some kind of Universal Cosmic Energy remained, and this concept became synonymous with breathing in air. It is the basis for "All Change". It can take many forms, including the "Life Force" which animates all living beings. Gong is the Chinese word for "skill" or "work".

Forms of qigong

At the most basic level, it is believed that qi can be affected by physical exercise emphasizing its movement. This is the form of exercise and Qigong practiced by countless Chinese in their parks and recreation centers; tai chi is closely related. Massage can be consider a passive form of Qigong.

Many forms of Qigong involve performing specific patterns of breathing which involve various combinations and durations of inhalations, exhalations and breath retention (both holding the breath in and holding it out). Some forms will require moving various body parts in conjunction with the breathing patterns and others will not. It is also common to perform Muscle and Tendon Changing Exercises along with the breathing exercises. These exercises prepare the body to safely handle the increased power output.

Medical Qigong is also popular. In this form of "Qigong", a Qigong practitioner learns to use his/her Qi to help manipulate their patient's Qi by using various means from physical touch to mental manipulation. Traditional Chinese medicine states that all illnesses are caused of by an imbalance in a person's internal energy. Some of the common imbalances are:

1. Too much energy or too little internal energy in the whole system.
2. Too much or not enough Yin or Yang Energy associated with a particular internal organ.
3. A local energy blockage at a specific point which inhibits the free flow of the system's energy

Tools for practicing qigong

Inhalation, Exhalation and Breath Retention are powerful tools which enable the practitioner to gather, store and circulate their Qi more efficiently throughout their body at will.

Practitioners consider everything to be Qigong. Considering that everything we do takes energy, they are correct. However, the level of one's Qigong is proportional to the amount of conscious intent one is using.

The amount of intent one can use is directly related to how much awareness one can maintain. Awareness can not remain without the ability to remain focused. The ability to remain focused requires Yi or Will Power. And finally, our Yi is empowered by our Shen or Spirit. This concept of Spirit does not refer to the Western concept of a person's soul. Rather, it refers to the concept of having an Indomitable Heart. It is just like the term we use when we speak of a Spirited Thoroughbred Horse or a fighter who refuses to give up and is referred to as having "Heart."

Controversies about qigong

The biggest controversy surrounding "Qigong" is whether or not "Qi" actually exists.

It has never been able to be shown to exist when accepted scientific procedures and standards have been followed by the testers. Therefore, although there are scientifically accepted documented changes in test subjects who have performed "Qigong" as part of many rigorous tests, "Qi" can not be used to explain these changes by the testers, since "Qi" has not yet be proven to exist.

Unfortunately, given its nebulous, indeed sometimes almost spiritual quality of, existence; "Qigong" has been subject to exploitation by far too many charlatans looking to earn money and fame by defrauding their students and/or clients.

To make matters even more confusing, is the existence of many true hearted practitioners who believe in their "Qigong" ability and yet are guilty of fooling themselves as well as the public.

In spite of the above, there are many accepted "Masters" of "Qigong".

In an effort to help legitimize "Qigong" and its practitioners, the National Qigong Association (NQA), has developed qualifications and standards for for those claiming to be "Qigong" teachers and practitioners.