CHINESE QI GONG

Qi Gong (pronounced “chee gong”) is an ancient Chinese energy art which is similar to Yoga but distinctly unique in its methodology and training. Qi Gong combines physical movement, concentration, visualization and specific breathing patterns to promote the balanced flow of the vital life force which the Chinese refer to as Qi (“chee”). Qi flows through the body’s channel or meridian system in much the same way that blood flows through the body’s circulatory system. It is this Qi that is manipulated and balanced by practitioners of Qi Gong and Acupuncture.

Western science has recently “discovered” the existence of a life force flowing through the body and has termed it Biomagnetic Electricity or simply Bioelectricity.

Qi Gong can range from being a very gentle internal practice, as in health promotion, to a very rigorous practice, as in the development of martial art techniques (Iron Body and Iron Palm for example).

Qi Gong has been practiced for at least 4,000 years in various forms, many of which are still practiced today. Chinese medical practitioners, monks, scholars and martial artists have all contributed to these present day Qi Gong styles.

Practitioners of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) believe that a weak and unbalanced flow of Qi results in illness. When the Qi flow is weak and unbalanced, the internal organ and immune systems will be weak resulting in disease and illness. However when the Qi flow is strong and balanced, the internal bodily systems will be strong and healthy thus being better able to fight off the pathogens which cause disease and illness.

The regular practice of Qi Gong can prevent illness, increase energy, improve memory, increase productivity on all levels and can, also, reduce stress and its adverse effects on the entire body.

In essence, through the regular practice of Qi Gong, an inner balance can be achieved through the integration of the energies of the mind, body and spirit. Therefore one can achieve a quality of life and peace of mind that is, unfortunately, hard to find in today’s society.