FAQs

Q: Can children learn Qigong?

Yes. There are Qigong forms that particularly capture children's attention, such as the Five Animals form, which consists of reproducing the movements and qualities of five animals: tiger, deer, bear, monkey and heron.

Q: What public health problems can Qigong make an important contribution to?

Qigong is not just a simple therapy for a few illnesses, but a complete recovery health system that can treat several chronic illnesses at the same time. It is the most cost-effective health method among alternative therapies. Qigong has a unique value because it allows practitioners to take responsibility for their own health. Current Qigong studies address some of society's main concerns, including improvement: Health and longevity Student performance in schools Results in hospital and clinical environments Productivity in office environments Rehabilitation of prisoners Addiction treatment results Complementary therapy for cancer treatment without side effects Anti-aging (e.g. slowing down cognitive dysfunction)

Q: How is Qigong different from other types of exercise?

Many people exercise to improve their appearance or perhaps to improve the health of their heart and lungs, but although aerobic exercise works these organs, it also puts a strain on them. Qigong, on the other hand, works the muscles and nourishes all the organs - but, above all, it doesn't strain them. It increases oxygen absorption and circulation, but while the body is relaxed. This increases the body's capacity to store and generate energy.

Q: What is the difference between Qigong, Tai Chi and Kung Fu?

Tai Chi (also referred to as Taiji, Taijiquan and Tai Chi Chuan) and Kung Fu (also called Gong Fu and WuShu) are forms of martial arts that derive from Qigong. Tai Chi is a light or internal martial art, while Kung Fu is considered a hard or external martial art form of Qigong. Qigong provides the basic power, strength, focus, discipline, etc. for all these martial arts practices (regardless of whether they are "hard" or "soft") through the manipulation and balancing of the body's energy. Tai Chi began as a health practice that was so effective in developing internal strength that it was adapted by some into the martial art of Tai Chi Chuan. Now, Tai Chi and Qigong are once again becoming a way for people to take responsibility for their own health care.

Q: Is Qigong a religious practice?

Qigong is not affiliated with any religious belief or system, nor does it conflict with any religious beliefs or systems of any kind. Chinese medicine states that every person has or is made up of three treasures. These are the mind, the body and the spirit. Some qigong exercises, meditations and visualizations involve connecting with your spirit, or true self, to help speed up the healing process. Others involve cultivating a sense of inner peace and a deeper connection with your spiritual self. The practice of qigong can be molded to incorporate a particular spiritual or religious belief, but only if that is what you want.

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