Discover the Ancient Power of Qigong: An Introduction and Overview

June 8, 2023 ADMIN 0 Comments

As the wind of ancient wisdom gently blows over the modern world, we rediscover practices like Qigong.

Part of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), which has been an integral part of the East for thousands of years, Qigong is an exquisite combination of coordinated body postures, movements, breathing techniques, and meditation. Let’s unravel the threads of qigong, exploring its depth and breadth.

Qigong is translated as the cultivation and harmonization of vital energy, which is achieved mainly through breathing work, meditation and movement.

Qigong is a holistic system of exercises and meditation that originates from ancient China. It combines physical postures, gentle movements, breathing techniques, and mental focus to develop and balance the body’s vital energy known as Qi (pronounced “chi”).

The practice of Qigong is deeply rooted in Chinese philosophy, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), and Taoism.

Are you interested in traditional Chinese medicine? Read: What is traditional Chinese medicine? This TCM expert shares the basics

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What is qigong?

Qigong is a 4,000-year-old practice that originated in China and is a system of healing and energy medicine.

Let’s break this term down: “Qi” (pronounced “chi”) means air, the breath of life, or the vital energy that permeates the universe. “Gung” (pronounced “gun”) means work, benefits gained through dedicated practice, or cultivated skills.

Thus, Qigong translates as the cultivation and harmonization of vital energy, achieved primarily through breathwork, meditation, and movement.

Qigong: A Brief History

The history of Qigong can be traced back thousands of years, its origins intertwined with various aspects of East Asian culture and spirituality. Although the exact origins are difficult to determine, Qigong is believed to have emerged as a practice around the same time as other foundational East Asian arts such as acupuncture, herbal medicine, and martial arts.

Ancient Chinese shamans and Taoist philosophers were among the first practitioners of Qigong-like practices. These practices included rituals, breathing exercises, and movements designed to connect with the natural world and use life force energy for healing and spiritual development.

Learn all about life force energy here!

Over time, different schools with different approaches and focuses appeared. Some schools emphasized martial arts, using qigong as a means of increasing strength, flexibility, and endurance.

Qigong is a transformative practice that supports healing, relieves stress, and improves our overall well-being.

Others focused on health and healing, using qigong to improve physical well-being, balance the body’s energy systems, and prevent disease. There were also esoteric traditions that delved into the spiritual aspects of qigong, aimed at achieving higher states of consciousness and enlightenment.

Qigong gained wider acceptance in the 20th century, especially in the 1950s and 1960s, when the Chinese government began to promote it as a way to improve public health. In this context, Qigong was researched, standardized and taught in parks and community centers in China. It became available to the general population, and its health benefits were increasingly recognized.

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Deciphering the benefits of qigong

With its focus on synchronizing the body, breath, and mind, Qigong offers many benefits. Below are some of the more well-known benefits of consistent practice:

Physical health

Qigong is known to improve the functions of the cardiovascular, respiratory, circulatory, lymphatic and digestive systems by optimizing the flow of Qi in the body.

Mental health and well-being

By encouraging a calm and focused mind, qigong sharpens focus and helps alleviate stress, anxiety and depression.

Vitality and immunity

Practitioners regularly note a surge of vitality, strengthening of immunity, slowing down of aging processes.

Flexibility and balance

Qigong movements improve flexibility, balance and coordination, helping to reduce the risk of falls, especially for the elderly.

Definition and explanation of 5 key Qigong terms

If you read or practice Qigong, you will hear the following five terms used regularly.

1. Qi

Represents the life force that is the foundation of Traditional Oriental Medicine (TMO) and central to practices such as Qigong, Acupuncture and Tai Chi.

2. Gong

Represents the development and mastery of skills achieved through relentless practice and dedication.

3. Meridians

Meridian lines refer to energy pathways that direct the flow of Qi in the body, connecting various organs and systems.

4. Dan tian

The Dantian, considered the energy center or “Sea of Qi”, is located in the lower abdomen.

Let’s take a closer look at qigong

Qigong goes beyond physical exercises or relaxation techniques. It is a transformative practice that supports healing, relieves stress, and improves our overall well-being.

It invites us to explore the complex relationships between our physical bodies, our minds, and the universe. Such research contributes to a deep sense of inner peace, balance and vitality.

When we are mindful of our movements, we can become more aware of how our actions affect our minds.

Remember, as you begin your Qigong journey, this is more than a quick fix – it’s a lifestyle. If you develop this art with patience and consistency, the potential of qigong to promote health, happiness and harmony will reveal itself.

Modern qigong

Today, Qigong is practiced by millions of people around the world for a variety of purposes, including physical health, stress reduction, emotional well-being, spiritual growth, and martial arts training.

It is often used as an adjunctive practice alongside conventional treatment and is considered a valuable component of TOM.

Qigong continues to evolve, creating new styles and variations to meet the needs and interests of practitioners in today’s world.

Moving meditation Men Song

Myung Sung Movement Meditation consists of special techniques rooted in Qigong, which have been passed down through my lineage for centuries from generation to generation.

In Myung Sung Movement Meditation, the freedom to move during meditation is not just an accommodation for our busy lives, but a key element of the practice. When we are mindful of our movements, even during simple everyday tasks like washing the dishes, we can become more aware of how our actions affect our minds.

Creating a stronger mind-body connection also helps us learn to feel the natural energy that exists within us – our chi – and the flow of the universe around us.

When we are stressed, we feel our qi stagnate. We often notice this when our thinking becomes sluggish and foggy, our muscles feel stiff and tense, or we simply feel drained and unmotivated.

Ready to try Myung Sung Qigong? Train with me here!

Meditation class

Initial Qigong meditation

with Jenelle Kim

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Join me right here at YA Classes by YouAligned to begin a Myung Sung Moving Meditation practice and experience the tremendous mind-body benefits for yourself!

Qigong: Conclusions and Final Thoughts

As with meditation, the key to qigong is not just seeing movement as an activity you engage in when you have time, but as a key part of your lifestyle.

These simple and quick yet powerful movements help us gain the ability to rebalance and connect our mind and body to balance whatever situations we face throughout the day. They can be used at any time during the day – before an important business meeting, if your kids are bouncing off the walls and you need to center yourself, or they can be practiced before entering a stressful situation.

Movement has been proven for centuries to be one of the fastest ways to reset, clear your mind, and gain a better perspective on any situation you find yourself in.

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