Qi Gong and Therapeutic
Exercises
TCM has a long history of therapeutic exercises which enhances health and
vitality.
Qi (pronounced as “chi”) means vital energy. In ordinary terms, it means air. Gong (pronounced as “kung”) means skill or attainment. Therefore Qi Gong is the skill of
developing and applying the body’s vital energy for health, wellbeing,
protection, and personal development.
Qi Gong
combines mental, physical, and breathing exercises to increase the Qi and blood
flow and to develop and mobilise Qi in order to treat and prevent
diseases.
Practitioners of Qi Gong develop an awareness of Qi
sensations (energy) in their body and use their mind to guide the Qi.
When the practitioners achieve a sufficient skill level (master), they can direct or emit external Qi for
the purpose of healing others.
In traditional Chinese medicine, good health is a result of a free flowing, well-balanced
energy system. It is believed that regular practice of Qi Gong helps to
cleanse the body of toxins, restore energy, reduce stress and anxiety, and help
individuals maintain a healthy and active lifestyle.
There are many types of Qi Gong. Some types of Qi Gong use physical exercises to develop and
mobilise the body’s Qi. It is
excellent for blood circulation, breathing difficulties, general weakness,
structural disorders, and mind-body co-ordination.
Unlike
many exercise, Qi Gong is gentle
and does not require much strength and vigour to perform. It is an excellent exercise for
the young and old alike. It
is very suitable for weak peatients or patients patients recuperating from a
debilitating illnesses.
Qi Gong is an integral part of Traditional Chinese Medicine
is is highly recommended for maintenance of health and vitality for the cure
and prevention of diseases.
Examples of
popular Qi Gong exercises are:-
·
Tai
Chi Chuan (Tai Ji Quan)
·
Wu Qi
Quan
·
Xiang
Gong
·
18
Step Tai Chi
·
Wild
Goose Qi Gong
·
5
Animal Play
·
Ba
Duan Jin
·
Guo
Lin Gong
·
Wan Fa
Gong
·
Longevity
Gong
·
etc
etc etc ……………
Written by
John Chow, a TCM practitioner,
masseur, healer, martial arts and spiritual teacher.
@2000