Qigong (pronounced "chee gong") translates literally as "energy work". A component element of Traditional Chinese Medicine, it is an ancient system of movement, breathing exercises, and meditation, which is designed to develop and improve the circulation of qi, or "life energy", around the body. Qigong is believed to help both body and mind to function at an optimum level, increasing vitality and encouraging self-healing mechanisms. Suitable for all ages and levels of ability, it is practiced daily by more than 60 million people in China and is fast growing in popularity in the West.

---

MAIN USES OF QIGONG

Fatigue. Stress-related conditions. High blood pressure, heart disease. Conditions of old age. Musculoskeletal pain and stiffness. Promoting health.

MoonDragon's Health & Wellness Index: Disorders, Therapy & Nutrition

---

The movements of wild animals helped inspire qigong. A 3rd-century B.C. health practitioner devised "Five Animal Play." This included stretching out the arms in front like a tiger, to ease tension in the lungs.

HISTORY

The Chinese have always used breathing and movement as methods of healing, and people living near the Yellow River 4,000 years ago used dance to ward of arthritis.

These ancient practices are said to have been based on the instinctive movements of animals and they were used to promote balance, strength, and healthy organs. Over the centuries the exercises developed into qigong. In 1955, the first qigong clinic was founded in Heibei province, but during the Cultural Revolution (1966-69) qigong was suppressed. The system is now re-established throughout China.

---

CONSULTING A PRACTITIONER

The practitioner will teach you exercises and meditation techniques to stimulate qi in the meridians and acupoints. You will learn to recognize sensations of qi, and use your mind, or "intention", to guide it in ways that calm your mind and enhance the functioning of your body. Qigong exercises can be performed in any order: you repeat each one six times to start with, building up as you feel ready. The basic postures are easy to learn and suitable for anyone, including the aged and infirm. Many can be performed anywhere, even in a wheel-chair, or in bed. Clothing should be loose and comfortable, and flat, flexible shoes are recommended rather than sneakers. In addition to teaching exercises, master practitioners are said to be able to "emit external qi" to heal others.

QIGONG EXERCISES

Child Worships the Buddha strengthens the legs and "lightens" the body, promoting a calm state.

1. Stand balanced. Open arms, breathing in deeply.

2. Bring your hands together in front of you. Raise your left leg.

3. Rest your left leg on your right knee. As you breathe out, gently bend your right leg. Qi is directed down the body into the legs. Holding this position is good for leg strength. Body "sinks" into position as the right knee bends.

Rainbow Dance

Rainbow Dance: Qi is channeled through the arms and directed from the hand down to the acupoint at the top of the head. This exercise may help relieve headaches.

---

EVIDENCE & RESEARCH

Chinese research since the 1980s claims that qigong can increase blood flow to the brain and other vital organs and improve the functioning of body systems. Unfortunately, few of these studies exist in translation and some are incomplete.

---

CONVENTIONAL MEDICAL OPINION

"Qi" and "emitting external qi" sound improbable to most conventional medical practitioners. Conventional practitioners will accept these claims only when backed up by scientific theory and research. Nonetheless, many conventional practitioners are impressed by their patients' experiences of "healing" encounters.

---

ALTERNATIVE HEALTH LINKS

MoonDragon's Alternative Health Therapy Index

MoonDragon's Alternative Health: Touch & Movement Therapies Index

MoonDragon's Alternative Health Information Overview

MoonDragon's Alternative Health Index

MoonDragon's Health & Wellness: Therapy Index

MoonDragon's Holistic Health Links Page 1

MoonDragon's Holistic Health Links Page 2



RELATED LINKS

MoonDragon's Nutrition Therapy: Preparing Produce for Juicing

MoonDragon's Nutritional Recipe Index

MoonDragon's Health & Wellness: Nutrition Basics Index

MoonDragon's Nutritional Therapy Index

MoonDragon's Nutritional Analysis Index

MoonDragon's Nutritional Diet Index

MoonDragon's Nutrition Information Index



HERBS, OILS, & SUPPLIES

MoonDragon's Health & Wellness: Manufacturers & Distributors

See all our merchant banners below for products, remedies and supplements recommended on this web site.

HELPFUL PRODUCTS & FURTHER EDUCATION Prescription for Nutritional Healing: The A-To-Z Guide To Supplements -- by Phyllis A. Balch, James F. Balch - 2nd Edition Prescription for Nutritional Healing: The A-To-Z Guide To Supplements -- by Phyllis A. Balch, James F. Balch - 4th Edition Prescription for Herbal Healing: The A-To-Z Reference To Common Disorders -- by Phyllis A. Balch The Complete Guide to Natural Healing This is only a small sample of educational materials and products available through Amazon.com. Use the search box provided below to search for a particular item. If you see a suggested Amazon product "not there" as indicated by an orange box with the Amazon logo, this only means the specific product link has been changed by Amazon.com. Use the "click here" icon on the orange box and it will bring you to Amazon.com and you can do a search for a specific product using keywords and a new list of available products and prices will show. Their product and resource links are constantly changing and being upgraded. Many times there are more than one link to a specific product. Prices will vary between product distributors so it pays to shop around and do price comparisons. Educational materials and health products are available through Amazon.com. Use the search box provided below to search for a particular item.

For a full list of available products from Mountain Rose Herbs, click on banner below:
Mountain Rose Bulk Herbs
Mountain Rose Herbs, Bulk Herbs A Mountain Rose Herbs, Bulk Herbs B Mountain Rose Herbs, Bulk Herbs C Mountain Rose Herbs, Bulk Herbs D Mountain Rose Herbs, Bulk Herbs E Mountain Rose Herbs, Bulk Herbs F Mountain Rose Herbs, Bulk Herbs G Mountain Rose Herbs, Bulk Herbs H Mountain Rose Herbs, Bulk Herbs I Mountain Rose Herbs, Bulk Herbs J Mountain Rose Herbs, Bulk Herbs K Mountain Rose Herbs, Bulk Herbs L	Mountain Rose Herbs, Bulk Herbs M Mountain Rose Herbs, Bulk Herbs N Mountain Rose Herbs, Bulk Herbs O Mountain Rose Herbs, Bulk Herbs P Mountain Rose Herbs, Bulk Herbs R Mountain Rose Herbs, Bulk Herbs S Mountain Rose Herbs, Bulk Herbs T Mountain Rose Herbs, Bulk Herbs U Mountain Rose Herbs, Bulk Herbs V Mountain Rose Herbs, Bulk Herbs W Mountain Rose Herbs, Bulk Herbs Y

Mountain Rose Aromatherapy Oils

Mountain Rose Herbs, Aromatherapy Oils A-B Mountain Rose Herbs, Aromatherapy Oils C-E Mountain Rose Herbs, Aromatherapy Oils F-L Mountain Rose Herbs, Aromatherapy Oils M-P Mountain Rose Herbs, Aromatherapy Oils Q-Z Mountain Rose Herbs, Aromatherapy Oils: Oil Blends & Resins Mountain Rose Herbs, Aromatherapy Oils: Diffusers, Nebulizers, & Burners Mountain Rose Herbs, Aromatherapy Oils: Oil Kits

Mountain Rose Herbs.com: Order Online
Accessories & Tools Aroma Sprays & Flower Waters Body & Bath Bulk Herbs Bulk Ingredients Bulk Oils Butters Capsules Clays Essential Oils	Facial Care Hair Care Herbal Extracts Herbal Oils Herbal Salves & Balms Herbal Teas Herbs For Pets Incense, Resins & Candles Massage Oils Medicinal Herb Seeds Tea Brewing Supplies

---

MoonDragon's Nutrition Information Index

MoonDragon's Health & Wellness: Nutrition Basics Index

MoonDragon's Health & Wellness: Therapy Index

MoonDragon's Nutrition Therapy Index

MoonDragon's Alternative Health Information Index

MoonDragon's Aromatherapy Information Index

MoonDragon's Health & Wellness Index

MoonDragon's ObGyn Womens Health Information Index by Subject Order

MoonDragon's ObGyn Womens Health Information Index by Alphabetical Order

MoonDragon's Main Indexlisting

MoonDragon's Home Page