Qigong is a meditation form developed in China thousands of years ago to increase vitality of life force, and to cultivate inner peace. The practice is made up of breathing, stretching and strengthening exercises.
Qigong, also known as ch’i kung, translated literally means to work with or to direct qi.
Qi has many meanings, and can be translated as breath, steam, breeze, temperature, strength, or energy. The same Chinese character was also used in the past to mean sun, fire, or rice, which, after having been cooked releases a pleasant steam (its energy).
As qi represents neither matter nor energy, Chinese medicine has never endeavored to formulate an exact definition. No speculations about its form or appearance have been made in any of the famous Chinese classical texts. In China, qi is understood alone through its effect.
Qi has many meanings, and can be translated as breath, steam, breeze, temperature, strength, or energy. The same Chinese character was also used in the past to mean sun, fire, or rice, which, after having been cooked releases a pleasant steam (its energy).
As qi represents neither matter nor energy, Chinese medicine has never endeavored to formulate an exact definition. No speculations about its form or appearance have been made in any of the famous Chinese classical texts. In China, qi is understood alone through its effect.
Practicing Qigong
Important elements of qigong practice include:
1. Breathing exercises
2. Meditation (standing, walking, sitting)
3. Meditative movements
4. The self-applied massage of selected acupuncture points along the meridians
Important elements of qigong practice include:
1. Breathing exercises
2. Meditation (standing, walking, sitting)
3. Meditative movements
4. The self-applied massage of selected acupuncture points along the meridians
The History of Qigong
Just as Chinese culture represents the oldest history of the human race, the system of Chinese medicine is for many in the West an incredibly ancient tradition.
Boddhidarma, the 28th patriarch of Buddhism, arrived in China between 520-550 A.D. In the Shaolin Monastery, he developed Chan Buddhism, where, during his years of influence, he laid the foundation for the very warlike orientation of the Shaolin Temple qigong. In part through his influence, the Buddhist and Taoist qigong became so thoroughly integrated, that it is no longer possible today to differentiate between the two, let alone to separate them. The purpose of the Shaolin practice is the cultivation of mental and physical strength, harmony, and wellbeing.
The conception and foundation of qigong is said to have originated at the same time as the theories of yin and yang, and the three forces, heaven (tian), earth (di), and humanity (ren). The relationship among these three forces is one of the main aspects of qigong.
Just as Chinese culture represents the oldest history of the human race, the system of Chinese medicine is for many in the West an incredibly ancient tradition.
Boddhidarma, the 28th patriarch of Buddhism, arrived in China between 520-550 A.D. In the Shaolin Monastery, he developed Chan Buddhism, where, during his years of influence, he laid the foundation for the very warlike orientation of the Shaolin Temple qigong. In part through his influence, the Buddhist and Taoist qigong became so thoroughly integrated, that it is no longer possible today to differentiate between the two, let alone to separate them. The purpose of the Shaolin practice is the cultivation of mental and physical strength, harmony, and wellbeing.
The conception and foundation of qigong is said to have originated at the same time as the theories of yin and yang, and the three forces, heaven (tian), earth (di), and humanity (ren). The relationship among these three forces is one of the main aspects of qigong.
What Does Qigong Include?
Qigong, rooted in the philosophy of Taoism, constitutes a system of exercises in which qi is strengthened, maintained, and directed.
According to Chinese medicine, there are three ways to obtain qi.
1. Yuan Qi (original qi) , transferred from the parents, or so to speak inherited.
2. Gu Qi (nutritional qi), which a person receives through eating.
3. Kong Qi (air qi), which is taken from the air.
Correspondingly, there are three columns known in qigong:
1. Breathing, which can be divided into "jing gong" and "dong gong".
2. Movement (dao yin)
3. Nutrition (chang ming)
Qigong, rooted in the philosophy of Taoism, constitutes a system of exercises in which qi is strengthened, maintained, and directed.
According to Chinese medicine, there are three ways to obtain qi.
1. Yuan Qi (original qi) , transferred from the parents, or so to speak inherited.
2. Gu Qi (nutritional qi), which a person receives through eating.
3. Kong Qi (air qi), which is taken from the air.
Correspondingly, there are three columns known in qigong:
1. Breathing, which can be divided into "jing gong" and "dong gong".
2. Movement (dao yin)
3. Nutrition (chang ming)
Qigong and the Martial Arts
The breathing exercises, instruction of movement, mental training, and meditation found in qigong constitute a fundamental part of the Chinese martial arts.
The methods of qigong practice, in existence for thousands of years, form systems differing in style, yet complete unto themselves.
A skillful teacher with years of experience and study is of utmost importance. Kung Fu, Made in China can assure you of the skill, experience, and authenticity of its instructor, Grandmaster Shi Yan Lin. You are in optimal hands in all matters concerning kung fu, tai chi and qigong.
The breathing exercises, instruction of movement, mental training, and meditation found in qigong constitute a fundamental part of the Chinese martial arts.
The methods of qigong practice, in existence for thousands of years, form systems differing in style, yet complete unto themselves.
A skillful teacher with years of experience and study is of utmost importance. Kung Fu, Made in China can assure you of the skill, experience, and authenticity of its instructor, Grandmaster Shi Yan Lin. You are in optimal hands in all matters concerning kung fu, tai chi and qigong.