Qi is the vital life force which all living
creatures and beings possess. Qi, or energy, is “a dynamic
force which circulates throughout the body” (Chang, Stephen T. The Book of Internal Exercises), running along invisible
lines throughout our body called meridians.
The word energy, also called life force, is a basis for the body
for “all forms and activities of life, both anatomical and physiological,
are supported by, and simultaneously deplete, the energy within
the body” (Chang,). Without Qi, there would be no life.
Qi is constantly flowing, permeating, and energizing everything
in the universe, including our bodies.
The practicing of Qigong helps to maximize
the efficiency and effectiveness of how we store, move, and use
Qi to enhance our health and well-being. You can feel this
life energy for yourself by rubbing your hands together until
it becomes really hot, this is the Qi, and then placing both hands
on your face. This energy needs to be in harmony for us
to feel alive and well. By harmony I mean balance of the
Yin and Yang, between the different organs of our own body, and
between our body and the environment in which we live.
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The
Balance of Qi is constantly getting broken, but the healthy body
is able to cope and quickly restores the dynamic
equilibrium. When all our systems are functioning naturally,
the Chinese figuratively describe this condition as harmonious
Qi flow. The energy flow that supplies the "right information
to every part of our body (and mind); that provides the right
defense or immunity when needed; that repairs all our wear and
tear; that channels away toxic waste and negative emotions; and
that performs other countless things to keep us alive and healthy,
is functioning the way it should"(Shaolin Wahnam's website). When this energy is unbalanced, then disease and pain are felt.
Since the living energy supports all the vital functions in the
body, “dysfunction or diseases of the body can be eliminated by
readjusting the energy imbalance” (Chang). Somewhat like the electricity
that runs through circuits in a computer, this energy travels
by virtue of electrical fields along minute pathways called meridians,
running all around your body. They form a weblike network
of invisible channels that carry Qi to every tissue in the body.
Twelve major meridians exist, each one correlates to an organ,
or a specific function. Qi is divided into many specific types
which have specific functions, for example corrective Qi, normal
Qi, etc. Stagnant Qi occurs when the normal flow is blocked, and
may cause aches and pains, as well as a variety of other problems.
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Qigong is an ancient Chinese health-care modality that has fascinated
people throughout the millennia. Based on the fundamental principles
of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Qigong is a system that teaches
us to understand Qi, our bioelectric life force, and use it to
heal ourselves and others. Qigong is a healing art that combines
movement and meditation to keep the smooth flowing of Qi.
Visualizations are used to enhance the connection between the
mind and body for healing.
Qi is the name for the natural bioelectric
currents that run through our meridians. It is a way of
mind expansion, meditation, visualization, and spiritual cultivation
for health and vitality.
Qigong can be practiced by oneself, or practiced
on by a Qigong Master. If employed by a Qigong Master, the Master
will help the patient's energy balance back to its healthy state
by using his/her own Qi, which has been mastered for several years,
to stimulate the patient's Qi flow freely for 24 hours a day.
Once the Qi is applied to the body, the patient's Qi gets a burst
of helpful healing Qi to disseminate stagnant harmful Qi.
" The healer must always have calm and peace in the heart. It
is a magnetic field, and can influence others with peace. Most
importantly, the patient must believe in the hands of the Qigong
Master, and be able to relax" (Lin Chi, THE EDGE, 1993). Regular
practice of Qigong can prevent disease, treat current illnesses,
promote youthfulness and longevity, expand spiritual knowledge,
and have peace of mind.
As medicine, qigong is based on precepts similar
to those of acupuncture, a procedure that has often surprised
Western experts with its successes. Only two decades ago, qigong
was denounced by the Chinese government as witchcraft. The government's
antagonism let up in 1978, after the Cultural Revolution of the
late '60s and early '70s was declared over. Doctors and intellectuals
argued that qigong, though unscientific by Western standards,
could help sick people. Now the practice is sweeping China again.
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