Qigong, a Chinese discipline that dates back to 3000 to 4000 years, tends to connect us with the entire universe, but we remain in close contact with every fiber of our more personal being. Being much more than gymnastics, Qigong heals not only in cleaning our body (Jing), but also our spirit (Shen). Do you know another promise of Qigong? It can bring health, vitality and longevity. Enough to make you want to try it?

The word "Qi" refers to the vital energy in everything, and it means "breath of life." As for the term gong, it refers to work, discipline and activity. We can therefore say that Qigong is the art of cultivating and control energy. Whether through gentle movements, breathing exercises and meditative techniques, including visualizations, we can stop our incessant mental activity to finally realize the energy that drives us.

The Energy of Qigong for Healing

With Qigong, we look at the body from an energy standpoint. It makes no distinction between the muscles, nervous system, emotions or rational. Although this discipline has been forged over the centuries thanks to the theories of Buddhist, Taoist and Confucian, one principle has remained unchanged and that is “everything is energy."

There are energy blockages in the body that would undermine our vitality and thus undermining our health. 250 years before Christ, a Chinese doctor named Hua Tuo was already speaking on longevity: "When the blood circulates freely in the veins, there is no disease that cannot be fixed. Thus, the body is like a door mounted on its hinges, which, when used regularly, never rusts. "Health is an art that grows!”

Great Benefits

Qigong healing targets the restoration of good energy flow in the system and ensures that the body is functioning optimally. The sessions can have significant effects on quality of life. Soon you will notice an improvement in your memory, attention span, energy level, and understanding of your body. With Qigong, you will appreciate a new way of life.

The regular practice of Qigong regenerates, softens and strengthens the musculotendinous tissue, releases the joints, relaxes the nervous currents, and boosts the blood and lymphatic circulation. There exists a multitude of movements that help the energy flow to specific areas of the body.

While in the traditional martial arts, our energy is carried outward to defend against an opponent, with Qigong that approach is directed inward. With the respiratory therapy of Qigong, it is not uncommon for body aches to disappear.

Moreover, Qigong is slowly entering the Departments of Oncology in some U.S. hospitals. It has been noticed that the practice of this ancient art would be beneficial to treat and prevent cancer.

Qigong and Traditional Chinese Medicine

The study of Qigong is the understanding of physiological and philosophical data, according to ancient tradition in China. That is why traditional medicine and healing with Qigong are inseparable and complementary. You should know that this discipline is one of the five branches of traditional Chinese medicine, including Acupuncture, Diet, Massage, Tui Na, Medicines and Energy Exercises (Tai Ji Quan and Qigong).

During the sessions of Qigong, the neophyte teacher informs about the basic principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine, like the five elements (water, earth, fire, metal, and wood), yin and yang, the three main energy centers of the body (dan tien), meridians, etc.

Qigong Classes

You want to get started? Be aware that doing Qigong is suitable for all types of people, regardless of physical condition, age and sex, with the exception of pregnant women and psychotic patients. The same movements can be adapted for people in wheelchairs or for seniors who wish to remain seated. It is strongly recommended that your instructor is an acupuncturist or someone who has studied traditional Chinese medicine for many years.

"In heaven, there are three treasures: the sun, moon and stars. In humans, there are three treasures: Jing, Qi and Shen”, says an old Taoist proverb. With Qigong, discover your buried treasure!

Reference

• Qigong Institute: http://www.qigonginstitute.org