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 47^th 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.