Definitions:
· Qi - life energy, vitality, breath; Stored in lower abdomen, Dan Tian
· Chi or Ch'i - energy, vitality, breath
· Kung - practice, cultivate
· Qigong (Ping-Ying) or Chi Kung (Wade-Giles) - energy cultivation, breath/energy work
Qigong is an art form and system of exercises that are unique to China. The theory of qigong is based upon the deliberate and willfull development of Qi. According to the ancient texts, Qi exists within all things. Without it there could be no life. Qi is gained daily by the consumption of food stuffs, water, and the act of breathing air, as well as being in the sunshine. Simply translated, Qi is the energy in nature and the universe as well as in our body. Gong is exercise or technique. Qigong can be translated as "the exercise to make the energy in nature and the universe function and balance within our bodies".
The time of qigong origination in China is not clear. Some estimates place it at over 3000 years. During the Zhou Dynasty (1028-221 B.C.) shamans danced through village streets with bear-skins over there heads. Villagers followed wearing masks representing animals of the Chinese zodiac. The purpose of the ceremony was to drive out demons and pestilence. There are numerous records of similar activities throughout China's history that depict qigong-like activities. The term "qigong" was not coined until the 20th century. Daoist scholar, Catherine Despeux, noted that the term first appeared in two documents published in 1915 and 1929 where the word qigong "designates the force issued by working with qi and martial applications of this force." The medical/therapeutic use of qi dates to 1936.
Benefits of Qigong:
1.Promotes overall health, youthfulness and longevity.
2.Enhances endurance, vitality, energy, and clarity.
3.Strengthens bones, muscles, and tendons.
4.Rejuvenates the organs.
5.Better sleep.
6.Better concentration.
7.Expands the mind and the intellect.
8.Provides well-being.
9.Spiritual cultivation.
Most of the information from the above article was taken from: "The Way of Qigong: The Art and Science of Chinese Energy Healing" Kenneth S. Cohen, Bonnie J. Curnock (Illustrator), Foreword by Larry Dossey/Paperback/Random House, Incorporated / February 1999. Order it through the Interfaith Centers own Serendipity Book Store!