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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
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
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.
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
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.
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