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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