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'''Qigong''' (pronounced "chee-gung") is a Chinese term which translates as "energy skill," or skill in the manipulation of ''[[qi]]''. Qigong principles underlie various visualization techniques used to improve concentration, breathing, and power. Qigong is widely practiced throughout China, mainly as a form of exercise, but by some as a type of alternative medicine or meditative practice. [[Tai chi]] is a related discipline.


'''''Qigong''''' (pronounced "chee-gung") is a [[China|Chinese]] term which translates as "Energy Skill."  ''Qi'' (pronounced "chē") is the Chinese word for the ''Energy'' which enables the [[Universe]] to function. It is the basis for "All Change". It can take many forms, including the "Life Force" which animates all living beings. ''Gong'' is the Chinese word for Skill or Work.  
Studies of the effects  of regular exercise using tai chi and qigong have reported consistent health benefits.<ref>{{citation
| author = Jahnke R ''et al.'' | title =  A comprehensive Review of Health Benefits of Qigong and Tai Chi
| journal =  Am JHealth Promotion | date = 2010 | volume = 24  | pages= e1-e25
|doi= 10.4278/ajhp.081013-LIT-248}}</ref>


Notice that the Chinese believe that work is such an integral part of possessing a skill that they use the same word to mean both.
==The practise of qidong==
The term "Qi" can mean both breath and energy, because in ancient times, people believed that we inhaled qi, or energy, and connotes the "Life Force" which animates all living beings. ''Gong'' is the Chinese word for "skill" or "work".At the most basic level, it is claimed that ''qi'' can be affected by physical exercise emphasizing its movement. This is the form of exercise and ''Qigong'' practiced by many Chinese in their parks and recreation centers; tai chi is closely related.  


The art of ''Qigong'' is practiced for many reasons.
Many forms of ''Qigong'' involve performing specific patterns of breathing which involve various combinations and durations of inhalations, exhalations and breath retention. Some forms require moving various body parts in conjunction with the breathing patterns. It is also common to perform Muscle and Tendon Changing Exercises along with the breathing exercises. In medical ''Qigong'', a ''Qigong'' practitioner uses his/her Qi to help manipulate their patient's Qi by using various means from physical touch to mental manipulation. According to [[Traditional Chinese medicine]], all illnesses are caused by an imbalance in a person's internal energy.
The basic essence of ''Qigong'' or Energy Skill is learning to conserve the "Qi" or Internal Energy we already possess, acquire and accumulate more and finally, manipulate it at will to empower and, hopefully, extend our lives.


It is also used by Martial Artists, especially in the Internal Martial Arts or ''[[Neijia]]'', to develop more power and the arcane skills ''gungfu'' masters are known for.
''Inhalation'', ''Exhalation''' and ''Breath Retention'' supposedly enable the practitioner to gather, store and circulate their Qi more efficiently.However, the level of one's Qigong is proportional to the amount of conscious intent one is using. ''Awareness'' cannot remain without the ability to remain focused, and this  requires '''Yi''' or Will Power. Finally, our '''Yi''' is empowered by our '''Shen''' or Spirit. This concept of Spirit does not refer to the Western concept of a soul, but rather to the concept of having an 'Indomitable Heart'.


==A Word about "Qi"==
==History==
The Modern Qigong Movement emerged in the early 1950s in post-revolutionary China<ref>David Palmer (2007) ''Qigong Fever: Body, Science and Utopia in China'' New York: Cambridge University Press</ref>; the term "Qigong" was coined to avoid any association with "feudal superstitious” religious practices, and by the late 1970s some Chinese scientists even claimed to have shown the objective existence of Qi. After the death of [[Mao Zedong]], millions of mostly urban and elderly Chinese citizens took up Qigong, in a prolific variety of forms <ref>Nancy Chen (2003) ''Breathing spaces: qigong, psychiatry, and healing in China''Columbia University Press</ref> In the early 1980s, Qi was being touted in China as an explanation for paranormal abilities such as [[extrasensory perception]] and [[psychokinesis]]. Some within the government were moved to warn of the dangers of this pseudoscientific fad,<ref>Lin, Zixin (2000). ''Qigong: Chinese medicine or pseudoscience'' Amherst, NY: Prometheus Books. ISBN 978-1-57392-232-6</ref>, but other public figures promoted qigong as a new 'science of the mind'. In response, the Chinese government chose to regulate qigong, and established the ''China Qigong Scientific Research Association''. By the mid 1980s, there were more than 2000 qigong organizations and between 60 and 200 million practitioners in China, and this growth was accompanied by the re-emergence of religious elements by organizations such as [[Falun Gong]]. In 1999, this provoked a systematic crackdown on qigong organizations by the State.<ref> [http://www.hrw.org/sites/default/files/reports/CHINA0102.pdf Dangerous Meditation: China’s Campaign Against Falungong] Human Rights Watch </ref>


There is some confusion about ''Qigong''. This is due to the many meanings of the word ''Qi.''
==Controversies about qigong==
According to its promoters, "Qigong is the most profound health practice ever invented by mankind for the prevention of illness, reducing stress, mangaging chronic conditions, increasing longevity, and promoting healthy, active aging." <ref>[http://www.qigonginstitute.org/html/qigonghealth.php The Quigong Institute]</ref> However, there is no evidence for any benefits beyond those expected of regular exercise and relaxation techniques.


Qi can mean breath or energy. This is because in ancient times, since people could not see oxygen, they believed we inhaled ''Qi'' or energy. Later, even after the discovery of air, the notion of breathing in some kind of Universal Cosmic Energy remained and this concept became synonymous with breathing in air.
==References==
 
{{reflist}}
Therefore to avoid confusion in this article, ''Qigong'' refers only to Internal Energy Skill and not just breathing.
 
==Forms of Qigong==
 
''Qigong'' can take many forms. From simply learning to control our breathing to opening our Energy gates and emitting our ''Qi'' outside of our bodies.
 
At its most simple level, we can move our ''Qi'' through our bodies by moving our various body parts using our muscles, tendons and ligaments. This is the form of exercise and ''Qigong'' practiced by countless Chinese in their parks and recreation centers.
 
Even massage can be consider a passive form of ''Qigong''. This is because the masseuse moves our Qi through our body for us.
 
Many forms of ''Qigong'' involve performing specific patterns of breathing which involve various combinations and durations of inhalations, exhalations and breath retention (both holding the breath in and holding it out). Some forms will require moving various body parts in conjunction with the breathing patterns and others will not.
 
These forms of Qigong are practiced for several reasons: Spiritual growth, Improving Health and Vitality, Sexual Enhancement, Martial Arts and Increased Power. The major difference among them is where the practitioner places his/her main intent and the spirit in which this intent is manifested.
 
It is also common to perform Muscle and Tendon Changing Exercises along with the breathing exercises. These exercises prepare the body to safely handle the increased power output.
 
Medical ''Qigong'' is also popular. In this form of "Qigong", a ''Qigong'' practitioner learns to use his/her Qi to help manipulate their patient's Qi by using various means from physical touch to mental manipulation.
 
Since Traditional Chinese Medicine states that all illnesses are caused of by an imbalance in a person's internal energy. Some of the common imbalances are:
 
1) Too much energy or too little internal energy in the whole system.
 
2) Too much or not enough Yin or Yang Energy associated with a particular internal organ.
 
3) A local energy blockage at a specific point which inhibits the free flow of the system's energy   
 
In Medical ''Qigong'', the patient may also be taught to manipulate his/her own Qi in certain ways for specific purposes.
 
At its highest levels, a ''Qigong'' master can move his/her Qi through the air using nothing but their ''Yi'' or Intention/Will Power.
 
==Tools for practicing ''Qigong''==
 
'''Inhalation''', '''Exhalation''' and '''Breath Retention''' are powerful tools which enable the practitioner to gather, store and circulate their Qi more efficiently throughout their body at will.
 
The Chinese consider everything to be ''Qigong''. Considering that everything we do takes energy, they are correct. However, the level of one's Qigong is proportional to the amount of conscious intent one is using.
 
The amount of ''intent'' one can use is directly related to how much awareness one can maintain. ''Awareness'' can not remain without the ability to remain focused. The ability to remain focused requires '''Yi''' or Will Power. And finally, our '''Yi''' is empowered by our '''Shen''' or Spirit. This concept of Spirit does not refer to the Western concept of a person's soul. Rather, it refers to the concept of having an Indomitable Heart. It is just like the term we use when we speak of a Spirited Thoroughbred Horse or a fighter who refuses to give up and is referred to as having "Heart."
A '''focused mind''' with great '''''Yi''''' or '''Will Power''' may enable high level ''Qigong'' skills. However, without a '''Purified Heart''', all that maybe accomplished are selfish  desires and goals.
 
Therefore, True ''Qigong'' practice also requires one to practice purifying one's heart and mind.
 
As you have just read, ''Qigong'' actually encompasses every aspect of our lives: Our Physical, Energetic, Emotional, Moral and even Spiritual Well Being.
 
I have added Spiritual Well Being here in its common Western aspect. This is because if you have not made peace with your personal concept of Creation, I do not believe it is possible to be at ease enough to develop and experience true well being in any other aspect of your life.
 
==Controversies About "Qigong"==
 
The biggest controversy surrounding "Qigong" is whether or not "Qi" actually exists.
 
It has never been able to be shown to exist when accepted scientific procedures and standards have been followed by the testers. Therefore, although there are scientifically accepted documented changes in test subjects who have performed "Qigong" as part of many rigorous tests, "Qi" can not be used to explain these changes by the testers, since "Qi" has not yet be proven to exist.
 
This leaves the cause of the changes open to debate.
 
Unfortunately, given its nebulous, indeed sometimes almost spiritual quality of, existence; "Qigong" has been subject to exploitation by far too many charlatans looking to earn money and fame by defrauding their students and/or clients.
 
To make matters even more confusing, is the existence of many true hearted practitioners who believe in their "Qigong" ability and yet are guilty of fooling themselves as well as the public.
 
In spite of the above, there are many accepted, and in the authors opinion legitimate, "Masters" of "Qigong".
 
In an effort to help legitimize "Qigong" and its practitioners, the National Qigong Association or NQA, has developed qualifications and standards for for those claiming to be "Qigong" teachers and practitioners.
 
==External Links==
 
The National Qigong Association [http://nqa.org/]

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Qigong (pronounced "chee-gung") is a Chinese term which translates as "energy skill," or skill in the manipulation of qi. Qigong principles underlie various visualization techniques used to improve concentration, breathing, and power. Qigong is widely practiced throughout China, mainly as a form of exercise, but by some as a type of alternative medicine or meditative practice. Tai chi is a related discipline.

Studies of the effects of regular exercise using tai chi and qigong have reported consistent health benefits.[1]

The practise of qidong

The term "Qi" can mean both breath and energy, because in ancient times, people believed that we inhaled qi, or energy, and connotes the "Life Force" which animates all living beings. Gong is the Chinese word for "skill" or "work".At the most basic level, it is claimed that qi can be affected by physical exercise emphasizing its movement. This is the form of exercise and Qigong practiced by many Chinese in their parks and recreation centers; tai chi is closely related.

Many forms of Qigong involve performing specific patterns of breathing which involve various combinations and durations of inhalations, exhalations and breath retention. Some forms require moving various body parts in conjunction with the breathing patterns. It is also common to perform Muscle and Tendon Changing Exercises along with the breathing exercises. In medical Qigong, a Qigong practitioner uses his/her Qi to help manipulate their patient's Qi by using various means from physical touch to mental manipulation. According to Traditional Chinese medicine, all illnesses are caused by an imbalance in a person's internal energy.

Inhalation, Exhalation' and Breath Retention supposedly enable the practitioner to gather, store and circulate their Qi more efficiently.However, the level of one's Qigong is proportional to the amount of conscious intent one is using. Awareness cannot remain without the ability to remain focused, and this requires Yi or Will Power. Finally, our Yi is empowered by our Shen or Spirit. This concept of Spirit does not refer to the Western concept of a soul, but rather to the concept of having an 'Indomitable Heart'.

History

The Modern Qigong Movement emerged in the early 1950s in post-revolutionary China[2]; the term "Qigong" was coined to avoid any association with "feudal superstitious” religious practices, and by the late 1970s some Chinese scientists even claimed to have shown the objective existence of Qi. After the death of Mao Zedong, millions of mostly urban and elderly Chinese citizens took up Qigong, in a prolific variety of forms [3] In the early 1980s, Qi was being touted in China as an explanation for paranormal abilities such as extrasensory perception and psychokinesis. Some within the government were moved to warn of the dangers of this pseudoscientific fad,[4], but other public figures promoted qigong as a new 'science of the mind'. In response, the Chinese government chose to regulate qigong, and established the China Qigong Scientific Research Association. By the mid 1980s, there were more than 2000 qigong organizations and between 60 and 200 million practitioners in China, and this growth was accompanied by the re-emergence of religious elements by organizations such as Falun Gong. In 1999, this provoked a systematic crackdown on qigong organizations by the State.[5]

Controversies about qigong

According to its promoters, "Qigong is the most profound health practice ever invented by mankind for the prevention of illness, reducing stress, mangaging chronic conditions, increasing longevity, and promoting healthy, active aging." [6] However, there is no evidence for any benefits beyond those expected of regular exercise and relaxation techniques.

References

  1. ↑ Jahnke R et al. (2010), "A comprehensive Review of Health Benefits of Qigong and Tai Chi", Am JHealth Promotion 24: e1-e25, DOI:10.4278/ajhp.081013-LIT-248
  2. ↑ David Palmer (2007) Qigong Fever: Body, Science and Utopia in China New York: Cambridge University Press
  3. ↑ Nancy Chen (2003) Breathing spaces: qigong, psychiatry, and healing in ChinaColumbia University Press
  4. ↑ Lin, Zixin (2000). Qigong: Chinese medicine or pseudoscience Amherst, NY: Prometheus Books. ISBN 978-1-57392-232-6
  5. ↑ Dangerous Meditation: China’s Campaign Against Falungong Human Rights Watch
  6. ↑ The Quigong Institute
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