Introduction of Health Qigong (Chee Gong)
Qigong (pronounced
“chee-goong”) originated in China over 5000 years ago and is a powerful system
of healing and energy medicine. It is a series of gentle exercise that was
compiled by Taoist sages and healers in ancient times.
It involves breathing
techniques, gentle movement and meditation, which acts to cleanse, strengthen
and circulate the life energy (qi). Qigong also focuses on the meridians
(energy channels of the body) to dissolve blockages that may cause mental,
emotional and physical problems. It allows the qi (energy) to flow
smoothly and unobstructed, while also stimulating and restoring the body.
What is Qigong
What is qigong? This seemingly simple
question, when asked today amidst the plethora of self-taught qigong videos and
instruction books available on the market, will solicit answers that are more
often than not far from being accurate. These responses to 'What is qigong,'
distorted to a great degree by the amount of mixed media coverage and publicity
by self- proclaimed 'masters of the art of qigong,' fail to present qigong in
its scientific context and instead, if with any accuracy at all, present qigong
mainly in its spiritual or religious context. While qigong has its spiritual
and religious applications, it is imperative to understand qigong from all
points of view. As we define qigong, we will also cover its applications,
origins, relationship with traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), medical qigong,
how qigong works, and finally qigong training techniques and programs.
After understanding what qigong is, it is important to understand what
the applications of qigong are. Qigong has spiritual, religious, and health
applications. Spiritual and religious applications are found in religious
Taoism, Fang Shi, Buddhism, Polytheism, Shamanism (original religion of
Manchuria), Bonism (original religion of Tibet), Confucianism, as well as
several others. The health applications of qigong are for both mental and
physical health maintenance.
Benefits of Qigong
Qigong works by affecting several systems of the body. These systems are
the nervous system (including the autonomic nervous system), endocrine system,
circulatory system, and immune system. In order to apply qigong to these
body systems, numerous training techniques are used, such as meditation,
conscious breathing, chanting, visualization, stances, acupoint massage,
movements and stretches, and qi allocations and movements. There are various
qigong programs, ranging from simple to complex, that are tailored to specific
individual needs. Some programs can incorporate techniques such as simple
stances, movements, chanting and stretches (calisthenics), while other programs
can include a variety of simple and complicated techniques such as qi
distribution, acupoint triggering and visualization (self-hypnosis).
Evidence demonstrates that qigong may be an effect adjunct in the
treatment of many illnesses including cancer and heart disease. Learn about the
remarkable 12 benefits of qigong, here:
1.
Well-being and improved health. Qigong
emphasizes the whole body, whole system health. While it is true that qigong
will often cure specific ills, this is not the primary reason for practice. It
is not only a matter of adding years to your life, but life to your years.
2.
Clear and tranquil mind. When the mind is at
peace, the whole universe seems at peace. World peace begins with you; it is
your responsibility to find a peaceful heart and mind. Then you can heal and
transform others just through your presence. If you have a tranquil mind, you
will make better decisions and have the skill to know when act and when to be
still.
3.
Deeper, more restorative sleep. Qigong will help
you find the deep relaxation and mental quiet necessary for sleep.
4.
Increased energy, including sexual vitality and
fertility. Qigong people have more energy; it can reverse energy and restore
youthfulness.
5.
Comfortable warmth. Qigong is great for cold
hands and feet. Circulation improves, and the body generates more internal
warmth when it is cold.
6.
Clear skin. The skin, like the intestines, is an
organ of elimination. According to Chinese medicine, as your qigong improves,
your body eliminates toxins, and the skin becomes clear.
7.
Happy attitude. There is an old Tibetan saying,
“You can tell a Yogi by his or her laugh.” Correct and moderate qigong practice
usually creates an optimistic and joyous disposition.
8.
More efficient metabolism. Digestion improves,
and hair and nails grow more quickly.
9.
Greater physiological control. This means that
aspects of the body that were imbalanced or out of control begin to normalize,
for example, breathing rate, heart rate, blood pressure, hormone levels, and
states of chronic inflammation or depletion.
10.
Bright eyes. The qigong master’s eyes are said
to glow in the dark, like a cat’s. The eyes also appear bright because the
spirit and soul are luminous and the heart is open.
11.
Intuition and creativity. Intuition and
creativity generate each other and come from the same source, an awakened brain
and being, an ability to think with the gut, to feel with the mind.
12.
Spiritual effects. Advancement in qigong is
often accompanied by a variety of spiritual experiences. For example,
synchronicity, meaningful coincidences, becomes more common. When the qi is
abundant, clear, and flowing, the senses perceive and are permeated by
sweetness.
Qigong can be broken down into three different types:
§ Soft: gentle movements
§ Hard: stronger movements requiring more
muscular activity (preferred by martial artists)
§ Static: meditative type exercises
The breathing methods
used in Qigong works the diaphragm and abdominal muscles, which is turn
stimulates and massages the internal organs. Qigong was designed with the
ultimate aim being to gain spiritual enlightenment by mastering your own body,
mind and soul and discovering your true self.
Qigong has many
amazing benefits which lead to better health, vitality and peace of mind.
Following is a list of benefits that are backed with experimental evidence:
§ Cardiovascular: balance heart rate,
cholesterol and blood pressure
§ Respiratory: improves gaseous exchange;
extremely beneficial for asthmatics
§ Immune System: significant anti-cancer effect,
destroys free radicals
§ Circulation: assist with angina and migraines,
prevents vascular spasms, improves microcirculation
§ Brain: less incidence of stroke, reduction in
frequency and severity of seizures, relaxed and integrated state of
consciousness
§ Musculoskeletal: improves posture, balance,
strength, stamina and flexibility
§ Chronic pain: reduces injury, surgery,
arthritis and fibromyalgia pain
§ Mental health: decreases stress, anxiety, OCD
and depression. Improves memory
§ Longevity
2 Sri Lanka Health Qigong Association (SLHQA)
Sri Lanka Health
Qigong Association (SLHQA) is founded in year 2009, at the International
Chinese Qigong Exchange Program held in Shanghai. SLHQA is the only registered
and licensed association with International Health Qigong Federation (IHQF),
and it is the 47th Country to be registered in the IHQF. SLHQA holds
the membership of Marketing Commission in IHQF and it had contributed to
improve and promote Qigong in the world since 2009. SLHQA has internationally
trained trainers on Qigong, certified by the Chinese Health Qigong Federation
(CHQF) and IHQF.
Course Modules
Qigong
programs are conducted in weekly basis, two hours per week and four days per
month.
The
levels of qigong had categorized and defined by the SLHQA is as follows:
a.
Foundation - 3 Months
b.
Beginner - 6 Months
c.
Intermediate - 6 Months
d.
Pro - 1 Year
Each
level is evaluated by the SLHQA certified trainers and the pro level exam is
done with the CHQA examiners/ trainers.
