QiGong

QiGong what does the word mean?

QiGong has a variety of spellings, pronunciations and definitions, thanks to the many translations from the original Chinese characters (Hanzi).

Where:

Qi: the first character, represents cooking rice (nourishment) which creates steam (visible energy) which becomes vapour (invisible energy); nourishing energy which flows within and all around.

Gong: the second character, represents a carpenter's square and a plough; both being tools that are used to design, create, prepare and produce; work.

Ultimately all interpretations of the word QiGong are rooted in ancient Taoist and Buddhist philosophies, which maintain that to achieve whole being balance and harmony requires 'working with life-force energy'.

QiGong the practice

QiGong is a broad term that refers to a variety of styles and forms, each influenced by Nature. Despite the variety all lead to holistic self-care, enhanced health and improved wellbeing.

The styles and forms have been passed down through generations spanning thousands of years. Each generation, of master and student, have added their own touches, intentions and interpretations to the breath, movement, stillness and meditation forms.

QiGong suits everyone regardless of age, gender or ability and can be practiced:

• anywhere and at anytime

• standing, seated or even lying down, and

• no need for special equipment, clothing or footwear

The essence of QiGong lies in embodying and embracing its principles and practices. By doing so, individuals can reconnect with their health and wellbeing.

Quoting Ken Cohen

"QiGong is a jewel that has many facets."

How does QiGong support harmony and balance?

The effects of regular QiGong practice, for people of all ages, have been widely explored by scientist and researchers.

They have discovered that QiGong gives:

• Improved health to the bones, joints, ligaments and connective tissue

• Enhanced flexibility, strength and stability

• Stabilisation of blood pressure and hormone levels

• Reduction in pain and discomfort

• Improved mental health, memory, sleep and mood

• Decreased symptoms of stress and depression

• Increased overall fitness and vitality

and so on

Check out the research

There are thousands of publications, websites, research papers, etc. on the practice and benefits of QiGong.

Here are some I read when I started the practice:

"The Healing Promise of Qi" by Roger Jahnke, O.M.D. (McGaw-Hill Educations) ISBN 978-0-8092-9528-9

"The Way of Qigong" by Kenneth S. Cohen (Ballantine Books Inc) ISBN 978-345-42109-8

"The Spark in the Machine" by Dr Danial Keown M.B.Ch.B, LicAC. (Singing Dragon) ISBN 978-1-84819-196-9

QiGong Institute - www.qigonginstitute.org/abstracts

Science Direct - www.sciencedirect.com