What is Qigong?
Qigong is an ancient Chinese practice that involves the cultivation of vital life force energy, or Qi, in the body. It is based on the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and is sometimes referred to as Chinese Yoga.
Qigong combines gentle movements, breath control, and meditation to cultivate and balance Qi, promoting health and vitality. Regular practice enhances circulation, strengthens the immune system, calms the mind, increases energy levels, improves flexibility, and enhances the mind-body connection. It can also help relieve stress and promote emotional well-being.
History, origins and philosophy
Qigong originated from Chinese Daoism and is at least 4,000 years old. Like yoga, the practices began as spiritual practices but later underwent modernization.
The first forms were practiced by Daoist priests and shamans and were called Dao Yin 导引, as depicted in the Ma Wang Dui Silk texts map excavated from the tombs in Changsha, Hunan province in China. However, under the ruling government of Mao Zedong in 1950s China, Qigong’s roots with Daoism, Confucianism, and Buddhism were severed.
The practice was then promoted as a health preservation tool, resulting in the emergence of Health Qigong and Medical Qigong. Bill Moyers brought the practice to the USA through the PBS series Healing and the Mind.
Qigong practitioners are encouraged to embody WuWei, meaning engaging in action without unnecessary striving, or effortless action. Like yoga, the practice emphasize the importance of non-attachment to achieve spiritual liberation. This is achieved by flowing with the Dao, which means taking the rightful way, path, speech, and method in life.
Benefits of practicing Qigong:
- Balanced energy
- A sense of calm and relaxation (helpful for anxiety and stress)
- Improved balance and coordination
- Improved flexibility and mobility
- Improved overall health, happiness and well-being
