Find
a Qigong Instructor
Qigong
What Is It?
How Does It Work?
What To Expect
What Is It Used For?
Side Effects/Cautions
Recommended Books
Recommended CDs
What Is It?
Qigong (pronounced “chee-gung”) is an ancient Chinese
discipline that incorporates movement, breathing, meditation and
visualisation to strengthen the flow of qi, the vital energy central
to wellbeing in traditional Chinese medicine. The exercises practised
within this discipline help to improve flexibility, balance and
overall wellbeing, and can relieve a wide variety of physical,
mental and emotional ailments.
There are two types of Qigong: internal qigong is
a do-it-yourself practice which has become popular
in the West. People learn Qigong exercises at classes
or from books or videos, and can practise at home,
modifying the exercises to suit their physical abilities.
External qigong (practised mainly in China) is a type
of psychic therapy which involves a qigong master transferring
qi to another person to promote healing.
How Does It Work?
Qigong, like other forms of traditional Chinese medicine, is based
on the idea that a vital energy, qi, flows through the body along
14 invisible channels called meridians. These meridians link
together different parts of the body, and illness is thought
to be caused by blockages in the flow of qi, or imbalances in
certain parts of the body. The aim of qigong is to restore balance
and health by removing blockages and stimulating the flow of
qi throughout the body.
The exercises performed in qigong are thought to stimulate
the circulatory system, promoting the elimination of
wastes from the body, and the increased flow of lymphatic
fluid improves the functioning of the immune system.
Some proponents say that qigong increases the amount
of disease-fighting white blood cells, and improves
the supply of oxygen to the body. It may also stimulate
the body’s natural painkillers (endorphins).
Qigong promotes relaxation, so may help bring down
the heart rate and blood pressure. The movement exercises
can also help to strengthen and tone muscles, promoting
physical wellbeing.
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What To Expect
While you can teach yourself qigong exercises from a book or video,
training from an instructor, either in a class setting or one-to-one,
can help you gain the most benefit.
Wear loose, comfortable clothing while practising
qigong. It is best practised on an empty stomach. Classes
will vary in structure, and may start with a standing
meditation, or simple movements to loosen up the body.
Other exercises include controlled breathing, where
you will learn to breathe from the diaphragm while
visualising qi flowing into your body with each breath,
visualisation, where you will visualise qi flowing
to all parts of the body, and movement exercises which
incorporate breathing, visualisation and meditation.
Some movements are very simple to do, while others
are quite complex and require much concentration. Exercises
can be performed standing, sitting, lying down, or
while walking.
Qigong classes generally meet once a week for 8-10
weeks, or you can learn the discipline during intensive
weekend or week-long courses. Most benefit comes from
practising qigong every day for at least 30 minutes.
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What Is It Used
For?
Qigong can be helpful for relieving stress, anxiety, tension headaches,
insomnia and high blood pressure. It can improve circulation and
promote general fitness and wellbeing. Although not scientifically
proven, proponents of qigong claim it can treat a range of illnesses
such as cancer, heart disease, asthma, arthritis, AIDS, diabetes,
menstrual problems and impotence.
Side Effects/Cautions
Qigong should be avoided by those with a tendency towards dizziness,
and people who are suffering severe mental or emotional disturbance.
Pregnant women should avoid qigong, unless practising
under the guidance of a trained master.
Qigong may thin the blood and increase circulation,
so it should be avoided if heavy bleeding might be
a problem, for instance after surgery, or if suffering
from internal injuries.
References
Find a Qigong
Instructor
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Recommended
Books
Prices are in US Dollars
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Qigong Empowerment: A
Guide to Medical, Taoist, Buddhist, Wushu Energy
Cultivation
Shou-Yu Liang
Qigong Empowerment is the most unique and
complete volume ever written in the English
language on Qigong (Chi Kung), the attainment
of energy. It is a volume that you can refer
to over and over again for all your energy
studies. This book includes all the major energy
training schools in ancient China: 1. Medical
Qigong theories and training methods to strengthen
the organs and to rejuvenate overall health.
2. Taoist Qigong cultivation and training outline,
from the basic to the most profound methods,
to foster Essence, Qi, and Spirit. 3. Buddhist
Qigong empowering methods to develop the Esoteric
Abilities of the Body, Speech, and Mind. 4.
Emitting, Absorbing, and Healing Qigong to
develop your healing ability. 5. Wushu (martial
arts) Iron Shirt, Iron Palm, Iron Fist Qigong
for developing your ultimate physical potential.
Learn
more...
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The Healing Promise of Qi: Creating
Extraordinary Wellness Through Qigong and Tai
Chi
Roger Jahnke
Developed over millennia in China, qigong
(literally, life force + mastery, or refinement)
is a set of techniques used to increase your
vitality, longevity, and sexual potency as
well as achieve and maintain optimal health
and inner peace. In the groundbreaking The
Healing Promise of Qi, Dr. Roger Jahnke, internationally
respected doctor of Chinese medicine and author
of the bestselling The
Healer Within, clearly and simply explains
the concepts of qigong in practical terms.
With the help of 125 superbly rendered illustrations, he
describes a multitude of simple qigong tools, practices,
and techniques for accessing and utilizing the incredible
power of qi. Rather than focus on a particular form of qigong,
Dr. Jahnke presents concise, easy-to-follow techniques from
among the more than 25 traditional and modern forms that
he has mastered and taught to thousands of people across
the United States and Canada.
Learn
more...
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Qi Gong For Beginners: Eight Easy
Movements For Vibrant Health
Stanley D. Wilson
"Qui Gong is one of the most important
movement meditation techniques. If all Americans
learned just the 'Eight Silken Movements' and
practiced them daily, we could reduce health
costs by 50 percent...."--C. Norman Shealy,
M.D., Ph.D., Founder Shealy Institute for Comprehensive
Health Care, and Founding President, American
Holistic Medical Association. An exercise program
that can actually release blocks to healing
and get you centered...in six minutes a day.
The simple, no impact, but very powerful movements
of Qui Gong can do that--and more, from increasing
longevity to boosting the immune system. And
this beautifully illustrated guide, written
especially for beginners, will introduce you
to this ancient art that balances and strengthens
the life force. Try it, and look forward to
extraordinary health benefits!
Learn
more...
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Qigong for Staying Young: A Simple
20-Minute Workout to Cultivate Your Vital Energy
Shoshanna Katzman
Shoshanna Katzman introduces readers to the
practice of qigong through her graceful twenty-minute
program that incorporates postures, breath,
sound, visualization, and self-massage. This
revitalizing workout will help women of all
ages maintain youthful skin, eyes, and hair;
improve fitness; and renew energy. Readers
can then customize their routine, as the author
explains how to apply the healing powers of
qigong - along with herbal and dietary remedies
- to specific age-related concerns such as
arthritis, osteoporosis, menopause, weight
gain, and decreased sexual vitality.
Learn
more...
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More
Qigong Books
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Recommended CDs
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Anthology of QiGong Relaxation
Therapy & Mind Expansion (Stress Relief,
Anxiety Relief, Depression Relief, Heath & Fitness,
Meditation, Enhancement Therapy)
Bill Douglas
Qigong Relaxation Therapy & Mind Expansion
is THE ULTIMATE DE-STRESSING program, using
soothing enjoyable visualization and breathing
techniques you do sitting down. This 72 minute
4 track CD audio program can be used at home
or anywhere since all you need is a CD player.
Track 1 provides explanation and a breathing
technique that will leave you immediately calmer,
clearer, relaxed, and yet more energized. Track
2 is a profoundly beneficial deep stress unloading
technique you'll treasure for life. Track 3
builds on that to add an even deeper experience.
Track 4 employs a breathing relaxation method
great for those days your mind can't stop spinning.
Learn
more...
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The Power of Qi: Qigong Meditations
for Better Health and Spiritual Well-Being
Ken Cohen
Every day, millions of people in China practice
a series of lifegiving exercises based on qi,
the vital energy of the universe. The Power
of Qi is a complete two-part curriculum on
CD for using qi to cultivate strength, vitality,
and longevity. Taught by internationally recognized
qigong master Ken Cohen, this enhanced edition
contains shakuhachi flute meditation music,
and qigong practices on video.
Learn
more...
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