{"id":1487,"date":"2024-03-04T20:04:46","date_gmt":"2024-03-04T20:04:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/qigongessencial.pt\/what-is-qigong\/"},"modified":"2026-01-08T11:11:07","modified_gmt":"2026-01-08T11:11:07","slug":"what-is-qigong","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/qigongessencial.pt\/en\/principles\/what-is-qigong\/","title":{"rendered":"What is Qigong?"},"content":{"rendered":"

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What is Qigong?<\/h1>\n

Qigong<\/strong> 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: <\/p>\n

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  • Greater health and vitality<\/strong><\/li>\n
  • Increased awareness and concentration<\/strong><\/li>\n
  • Balance and tranquility<\/strong><\/li>\n
  • Stillness of mind and subtle awareness<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    Qigong in Traditional Chinese Medicine<\/h2>\n

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

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    1. Martial Qigong (Nei Gong)<\/strong>\n
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      • Focus on the structure and alignment of bones, tendons and ligaments.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n
      • Medical Qigong<\/strong>\n
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        • Focus on health and longevity.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n
        • Spiritual Qigong (Shen Gong)<\/strong>\n
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          • Focus on mental concentration, refining the essence and cultivating virtue.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

            Integration of the Three Schools:<\/strong> 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: <\/p>\n

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            • Martial Qigong<\/strong> as the foundation<\/li>\n
            • Medical Qigong<\/strong> as the framework<\/li>\n
            • Spiritual Qigong<\/strong> as conscious presence<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

              All three are absolutely important<\/strong> and interdependent<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

              Internal Qigong Practice<\/h2>\n

              A regular practice of Qigong can be used as preventive health care, helping with:<\/p>\n

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              • Relaxation and rejuvenation<\/strong><\/li>\n
              • Stress reduction<\/strong><\/li>\n
              • Emotional health<\/strong><\/li>\n
              • Mental clarity and well-being<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                In addition, it can develop subtle healing abilities, energetic perceptions and mental focus.<\/p>\n

                Components for a Successful Practice<\/h3>\n
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                1. Sincerity<\/strong>\n
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                  • Approach the practice with an open mind and heart, allowing the energetic changes to occur naturally.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n
                  • Regularity<\/strong>\n