Qi   Gong
"chee gung"

Basic Information

Qi is often translated as “Breath”, “Vitality”, "Prana" or “Life Force Energy.” In modern terms Qi is also considered to be “bio-electric” and/or “bio-chemical” energy. Gong is translated as “skill”, “to practice”, “to cultivate” or “to refine over time.” Thus, in general, Qigong is the skill of nurturing and caring for one’s vitality and energy throughout life.

Generally, all styles of Qigong will address body (posture), breath and mind (intention) within their methodology and will use both dynamic (moving) and quiescent (still) techniques.

Qigong practice will correct the practitioner's structural alignment through the use of soft flowing movements and/or static postures. Virtually all styles of Qigong address the practitioner's breathing through different forms of yogic breath control and regulation techniques. Finally, most systems will also address the practitioner's state of mind using visualization, mindfulness and a multitude of other meditative techniques. These three areas of cultivation: body, breath and mind combine to affect the physical flow of blood and Qi throughout the entire body. These are the broad commonalities in Qigong practice but they do little to discern how the methods are employed, to what purpose and to what end effect on the practitioner.

It is important to understand that Chinese Qigong comprises thousands of styles of Yogic practice developed during the last several millennia in China and Tibet. While in the "West" today, most would consider Qigong to fall under the description of Holistic Healthcare, traditionally Qigong practice was developed into different methods to reach very different goals. The methods practiced in order to reach these different goals have very different effects on the body, mind and spirit of the practitioner.

Given the many different methods and effects of Qigong practice I believe it is wise to understand the nature of any Qigong style prior to investing a lot of time and energy in it.

It is useful to categorize Qigong styles into Health/Medical, Sport/ Martial and Mental/Spiritual. While many Qigong styles may fit into more than one category, each area where they do fit will provide insight into their methodology.

It is also very useful to look deeper into Qigong and Yogic practices by utilizing Yin/Yang (Water/Fire) theory. This straightforward theory provides a clear and concise method to unlock the purpose and effect of any Yogic system, movement, method or technique. Once you learn to recognize whether a technique is Yin Energy Supporting or Yang Energy Supporting you can then clearly understand the effects of its practice.

 

Please see below for more in-depth information on Qigong practice:

 

Chaoyi Fanhuan Qigong (CFQ)

Water and Fire Methods

Yin/Yang (Water/Fire) Theory

more to come...