What is Qigong?

Qigong literally means “energy mastery” or “energy manipulation”. It is the ancient science and art of working with the subtle energy of the earth, the sky and oneself. The practice of Qigong combines simple but powerful postures or movements with breathing techniques and the focus of mental intention to achieve:

  • Greater health and vitality
  • Increased awareness and concentration
  • Balance and tranquility
  • Stillness of mind and subtle awareness

Qigong in Traditional Chinese Medicine

Along with Acupuncture, Herbs, Dietetics and Asian Body Therapy, Qigong is one of the five branches of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), with a history dating back some 5,000 years. There are three varieties or schools of Qigong, which overlap to varying degrees:

  1. Martial Qigong (Nei Gong)
    • Focus on the structure and alignment of bones, tendons and ligaments.
  2. Medical Qigong
    • Focus on health and longevity.
  3. Spiritual Qigong (Shen Gong)
    • Focus on mental concentration, refining the essence and cultivating virtue.

Integration of the Three Schools: These categories are mental constructs that help to understand the multifaceted nature of the practice. In reality, a complete practice integrates the three schools of Qigong into a unified whole. For example:

  • Martial Qigong as the foundation
  • Medical Qigong as the framework
  • Spiritual Qigong as conscious presence

All three are absolutely important and interdependent.

Internal Qigong Practice

A regular practice of Qigong can be used as preventive health care, helping with:

  • Relaxation and rejuvenation
  • Stress reduction
  • Emotional health
  • Mental clarity and well-being

In addition, it can develop subtle healing abilities, energetic perceptions and mental focus.

Components for a Successful Practice

  1. Sincerity
    • Approach the practice with an open mind and heart, allowing the energetic changes to occur naturally.
  2. Regularity
    • Practicing consistently to create and nurture new energy patterns in the physical, emotional, mental, energetic and spiritual bodies.
  3. Qualified guidance
    • Rely on the guidance of a doctor or qualified Qigong teacher to maximize the benefits.

Even 10 minutes a day of sincere practice can bring powerful results over time, similar to small steps accumulating over a long journey.

Varieties of Qigong Exercises

Qigong exercises are generally divided into two categories:

  1. Dynamic
    • They include real physical movements.
  2. Static
    • They only require a motionless posture.

Types of postures

  • Lie down
  • Sitting
  • Standing up
  • Walking

A combination of dynamic and static exercises is common, allowing for a balanced development of resistance to disease and a strong constitution.

Additional benefits

  • Self-control and concentration
  • Protecting the body against disease
  • Life extension
  • Harnessing natural energy for rejuvenation

The Effects of Qigong

Physical Benefits

  • Regulation of the nervous, respiratory, digestive, circulatory and internal secretion systems.
  • Balance of Yin and Yang: Maintains stability of body and mind.
  • Improved blood circulation: Tickling sensation on the skin.
  • Invigorating the body’s energy: Muscles contract and joints pop.

Mental and Emotional Benefits

  • Reduced mental and physical fatigue
  • Improved sleep quality and appetite
  • A feeling of tranquility, comfort and vigor

Advanced insights

Experienced practitioners can:

  • Understand the circulation of Qi along the body’s channels.
  • Emitting energy (waiqi)
  • Connecting with the energy of thoughts and emotions
  • Exploring a path of meditation and understanding the energy of the spirit

Note: Qigong is practiced by people of all spiritual and religious persuasions.

How does Qigong work?

Rest (Yin) in Qigong

Going into rest defines the mind in a special way, relaxing body and mind into the ideal state for practice. This state has therapeutic effects, strengthening the body and activating regeneration processes.

  • Defined Rest: A stable state of stillness without distractions, with the mind centered on one point, usually the Dantian (navel area).
  • Special Functional State: Neither fully conscious nor asleep. The focused mind induces excitation in the corresponding area of the cerebral cortex.
  • Qigong State of Mind: Allows you to regulate the internal organs and feel the energy flow through the body, clearing physical and emotional blockages.

Principle of Yin and Yang

  • Yin (feminine, cold, night, earth)
    • It comes from rest.
    • Rest develops Yin.
  • Yang (male, hot, day, sky)
    • It comes from movement.
    • Movement produces Yang.

Static and dynamic are two sides of the same coin, always in movement and transformation according to the law of Yin and Yang. Yang in excess produces Yin and vice versa.

What Will You Feel When You Practice Qigong?

By practicing Qigong regularly, you’ll be able to experience it:

  • General Relief: Tingling limbs and a slight sweat.
  • Improves digestion: Contraction and relaxation of the stomach and intestinal muscles.
  • Reduces fatigue: Improves sleep quality and appetite.
  • Increased Blood Circulation: Tickling sensation on the skin.
  • Invigorating Body Energy: Muscles contract and joints pop.
  • A feeling of calm and vigor: Comfort and renewed energy.

More advanced practitioners can develop an internal perception of the energy channels and experience the circulation of Qi, connecting deeply with their spiritual essence.

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