Qigong

Understanding Qigong

Qigong (氣功), also known as Chi Kung, is an ancient Chinese health and exercise system. The term “Qigong” combines “Qi” (氣), meaning energy, and “Gong” (功), meaning exercise or cultivation. Together, it translates to a system of “energy exercise” or, as described by Wong Kiew Kit in The Art of Chi Kung, “the art of developing energy for health, internal force, and mind training.” With roots tracing back over 6,000 years to Taoist Dao Yin exercises, Qigong’s origins are deeply embedded in ancient Chinese history.

Qigong’s influence extends across various fields in China, including medicine, martial arts, philosophy, and societal development. It was fundamentally created for the maintenance of mind-body health and remains an integral part of curriculum in Chinese hospitals today.

Qigong and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)

Qigong is one of the five foundational branches of “Traditional” Chinese Medicine (TCM). According to Dr. Stephen T. Chang, for TCM to be truly effective and authentic, it must integrate all five branches:

  • Internal Exercises/Qigong (Internal Alchemy)

  • Tui-Na (Taoist Medical Massage)

  • Herbs

  • Acupressure/Acupuncture

  • Nutrition/Balanced Diet

The absence of any single branch compromises the efficacy of TCM. For instance, if an Acupuncture Physician lacks knowledge or practice in Tui-Na, their treatments, regardless of their claims, may be significantly less effective (estimated at 18% effectiveness by Dr. Stephen T. Chang). This principle applies equally to Qigong and Herbs, emphasizing the necessity of comprehensive knowledge across all four branches for genuine TCM practice. Some scholars even assert Qigong as the most crucial aspect of TCM, with Wong Kiew Kit noting in The Art of Chi Kung that “Chi Kung is excellent for curing illness and promoting health. There is a saying that Chi Kung can cure hundreds of illnesses.”

Qigong’s lineage can be traced to China’s “Barefoot Doctors,” who traveled extensively, disseminating and absorbing local Qigong forms, thereby accumulating vast knowledge in healing various diseases and illnesses.

What is Qi?

Before delving deeper into Qigong, it’s essential to understand Qi (氣), pronounced “Chee.” While literally meaning “breath” or “energy,” Qi is best understood as the internal force inherent in all things. In humans, Qi is the vital force enabling the body to perform its functions. It underpins thought processes, facilitates blood circulation, empowers organ function, animates limbs, and connects individual Qi to the universal Qi.

A fundamental principle to remember is: “Blood follows the Qi, and Qi follows the breath and mind (intent).”

Illness arises from blockages within the Qi (e.g., stress, tension, organ imbalance). Disease is often the long-term manifestation of chronic illness or tension. The term “Dis-Ease” itself implies a state of being “not at ease,” indicating that prolonged stress and tension disrupt Qi flow. By releasing and relaxing this tension, Qi flow increases, leading to the improvement, prevention, or reversal of illness and disease.

According to Lam Kam Chuen in The Way of Energy, “The Chinese have studied the energy of the human body for thousands of years… Chi is the fundamental energy that sustains life and is present in the vibrating biological processes of every single one of the millions of cells. It drives all the activities throughout the organism.”

With this understanding, Qigong can be defined as: A system of exercise consisting of both flowing and stationary postures designed to ensure the proper flow of Qi, thereby preventing or reversing disease and illness.

Qigong stands as the world’s oldest system specifically dedicated to increasing and improving Qi flow within the body. All forms of Martial Arts, including Taiji Quan, and most, if not all, other forms of exercise, are, according to Dr. Stephen T. Chang, derivatives of Qigong.

What is Meditation?

Understanding what meditation is not is often more crucial than a simple definition. Meditation is not a mystical experience, a means to enlightenment, a new-age practice, or merely a psychological exercise.

In essence, meditation is a combination of relaxed, deep abdominal breathing where the mind and intent (Yi, 意) are singularly focused on one object or thought. This focus could involve counting breaths in a set routine, concentrating on a specific color, object, or idea, or circulating Qi. Meditation is explicitly not about passively observing, taking everything in, or merely letting thoughts pass.

Contemplative meditation is an ancient system originating in Ancient China approximately 5,000-6,000 years ago. It was a primary subject taught in the world’s first fully functioning university. Any claims presenting meditation as a “new approach” or based on “new research” are inaccurate. Meditation is ancient and was one of the earliest forms of Qigong and Dao Yin; indeed, some consider meditation to be the very Union with Tao.

Discover More

To learn more, we encourage you to explore our Classes & Workshops and attend one or more sessions. For proper and authentic instruction, always seek guidance from a qualified Master Teacher or a Teacher studying directly with a qualified Master.

Qigong Benefits

Qigong has demonstrated significant benefits in hundreds, if not thousands, of studies conducted in China, and numerous studies in the USA. While this is a partial list, Qigong offers a wide array of advantages:

  • Cardiovascular Health

  • Nervous System Regulation

  • Musculoskeletal Strength and Flexibility

  • Neurological Function

  • Respiratory Efficiency

  • Immune System Support

  • Brain Health and Cognitive Function

  • Chronic Pain Management

  • Mental Health and Emotional Well-being

  • Longevity

  • And many more!

Factors Influencing Qi in Our Body

According to Dr. Aihan Kuhn, CMD, in Natural Healing with Qigong, Therapeutic Qigong, various factors impact the flow and balance of Qi:

Negative Effects (Disrupt Qi)

  • Poor Diet & Large Portions

  • Negative Thinking

  • Irregular Lifestyle

  • Physical Pain

  • Overwork

  • High Stress

  • Excessive Sexual Activity

  • Irregular, Inappropriate Exercise

Positive Effects (Enhance Qi)

  • Healthy Diet & Balanced Portions

  • Positive Thinking

  • Regular Lifestyle

  • Absence of Physical Ailments

  • Balanced Work-Life

  • Managed Stress

  • Moderation in Sexual Activity

  • Regular, Appropriate Exercise