Qigong

“The whole purpose of Qigong practice is to help you open up, to use your 'Inner-net,' to connect to the unlimited power and the unlimited wisdom of the universe that is called the life force.” - Grand Master Nan Lu

 

Qigong comes from two words, Qi which means “energy” and Gong which means “work”. Therefore, Qigong means “energy work”. Qigong objective is to break up Qi blockage, reestablishing the balance of the body as well as smoothing the Qi. It is a discipline that involves the mind, breath, and slow and coordinated movements in order to bring balance to the body. This discipline nourishes the internal organs, increasing the effectiveness of all our organs. Also, Qigong helps us conserve Qi, causing our body to be healthy and free from any diseases (National Qigong Association). 

 

Furthermore, from the Taoist and Buddhist perspective, Qigong can help us to develop our human potential by raising awareness of our true selves. Many people feel at peace, relaxed, and happy (sense of well-being) after doing Qigong because their energy and balance is restored. Also, it helps to strength to the body muscles, enhances flexibility and improves coordination (Palermo 2015).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Qigong is a widely-practiced discipline in China for relaxation, recreation, preventative medicine, or self-healing purposes. Therefore, it is a system primarily practiced to have a good health and increase our vitality (Palermo 2015).  

 

There are many types of Qigong, such as:

 

• Medical Qigong: It involves self-healing and healing others.

• Martial Qigong: It involves breaking bricks or hard objects without causing physical damage.

• Spiritual Qigong:  It involves mantras, sitting meditations, and prayers in order to achieve self-awareness, tranquility, and harmony with nature and self.

 

However, Qigong incorporates exercises, movements, and postures from all of the three categories, the only thing that changes is its focus (National Qigong Association). 

 

Important facts (Traditional Chinese Medicine World Foundation):

 

• Qigong can be as powerful as acupuncture, since practicing Qigong activates acupuncture points, meridians, and our organs.

• Everyone can benefit of Qigong. It doesn’t matter the age or ability.

• Many people that practice Qigong, say that they can feel their energy flow throughout their body.

 

Below is a video of Master Nan Lu where he explains what is Qigong in a marvelous way: