Qigong

"Ancient Chinese Secret" to Health and Wellness

Qi and Qi Circulation

Energy exists inside the human body that serves as the power source for all of the body’s functions. Rather than waiting for modern science to fully define this energy, the developers of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) called it qi (pronounced chee) and went about finding ways to work with it. They theorized that qi circulates throughout the body on a system of linked paths called jingluo (energy meridians.) These paths can further be classified as either channels or vessels. Channels are like rivers of energy, delivering qi to the organs; while vessels are like energy reservoirs, supplying qi to the channels. The goal of TCM is to keep the vessels full and the channels flowing smoothly. This allows the body to function naturally and optimally, controlling illness and enabling good health.

Yin and Yang Balance

Yin and yang are the two opposing forces evident throughout nature. Yang is representative of aspects such as positive, bright, hot, hard, and substantial; while yin represents negative, dark, cold, soft, and insubstantial. The fish in the taiji diagram summarize the interaction that exists between these two forces. There are always elements of yin and yang within each other, and there is a constant flow between them. Additionally, these opposing forces exist within all systems, and function as a natural method of checks and balances.

According to TCM, a good balance between yin and yang is required for optimum health. The balancing of yin and yang is regulated as qi flows through the meridians. The body must be balanced not only internally, but also with nature. Changes in nature inevitably affect the human body and if not counterbalanced properly may result in illness.

Qigong

One component of TCM is qigong (energy skill), a Chinese exercise aimed at guaranteeing the body an adequate supply of qi and clear paths for it to travel on. The two general categories of qigong are dynamic qigong (dong gong) and quiescent qigong (jing gong.) Dong gong features external body movement while jing gong does not. Regardless, of category, all qigong systems include three essential methods: regulating the posture, regulating the breathing, and regulating the mind.

Regulating Posture

Regulating posture means to allow the body to assume its most natural, comfortable, relaxed, centered, stable, and balanced positions. There can be no physical tension if qi is to flow smoothly throughout the meridians.

Regulating Breathing

For basic qigong exercises, regulating breathing means to allow your breath to flow naturally. The breath should remain calm, smooth, and quiet. Do not attempt to coordinate the movements with breathing. Instead, allow the mind and body to coordinate the breathing and movements subconsciously.

Regulating Mind

Regulating the mind means to free the mind of distracting thoughts. There is no need to direct the mind to certain parts of the body during basic qigong exercises. The mind is controlling the physical movements and is therefore automatically focused where it needs to be. Instead, allow the conscious part of the mind to relax and listen to the natural rhythm of the entire body.