Qi Gong Overview

Qigong - Pronounced Chee Kung a basic understanding

Qigong is a formulated set of movements coordinated with the breath which induces and guides the vital energy Qi through and around the body.

Qigong has been around for approximately 3000 years. Originally devised by the Taoist Monks because of their sedentary lives, and extensive meditations. There are many types of Qigong method and style: these include the Jade Pillar, Fragrant Buddha or Xiang Gong, Standing meditation: Zhan Zhuang - Three Circle or Standing like a tree Qigong, Eight Strands of Silk Brocade or Baduanjin, 18 TaiChi-Qigong set or Shibashi, 12 Meridian Qigong set and the Wild Goose 1st & 2nd 64 Dayan Qigong, plus many others of various interpretation and style.

Qigong Defined

The nearest interpretation of the word Qigong in broad terms is:

QI = energy or air.
(air is the most common description because of it's Oxygen content)

GONG = exercise

So the word QIGONG, simplified, means 'breathing exercise' or loosely 'energy exercises'

Why study Qigong?
Qigong has four major areas of application:

Healing Qigong (Yi Gong). Healing Qigong (sometimes translated "Medical Qigong") is the preventive and self-healing aspect of Chinese medicine. We are all exposed to stress. Qigong teaches us how to control our reactions to stress so that life events do not cause such symptoms as high blood pressure, frustration, or anxiety. Healthy people practice qigong to become super-healthy. Healers use qigong to prevent "healer burn-out" and to maintain a positive presence.
External Qi Healing (Wai Qi Zhi Liao). Qigong includes a sophisticated system of health assessment and non-contact treatment called External Qi Healing (EQH). The healer learns to tap into a well of healing energy in nature and "funnel" it through his or her body. Unlike some purely intuitive systems, EQH includes exercises that increase sensitivity to energy fields and efficacy of treatment. The more you practice External Qi Healing exercises and meditations, the more effective your healing treatment. External Qi Healing techniques may be used as a stand alone form of wellness treatment or may be combined with massage, acupuncture, Therapeutic Touch, osteopathy, or any other form of body-work. Because treatment is generally performed at a distance from the body, EQH does not violate psychotherapists' professional ethics (which do not allow touching the patient) and is thus an ideal adjunct to body-centered psychotherapy.
Sports Qigong (Wu Gong). In sports and martial arts, qigong is the key to strength, stamina, coordination, speed, flexibility, balance, and resistance to injury. Qigong exercises can improve performance in any sport, improving the golf drive, tackling ability in football, accuracy in tennis, and stamina in swimming.
Spiritual Qigong (Fo Gong, Tao Gong). As a spiritual discipline, qigong leads to self-awareness, tranquillity, and harmony with nature. The spiritual aspect of qigong evolved from Taoism and Buddhism.

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