The word Qigong (pronounced chee gong) is a combination of two ideas: “Qi” means air, breath of life, or vital energy of the body, and “gong” means the skill of working with, or cultivating, self-discipline and achievement. The first recorded evidence of the health benefits of Qigong reach back to 2500 B.C. during the birth of Chinese Medicine. Qigong is an art form for strengthening the body’s vital energy. It works to improve energy levels, recovery time, and immune function.
Qigong is, in modern terms "medical breathing" exercises. Medical breathing aims to change the habit of breathing in the chest to abdominal breathing, transforming respiration from 'shallow and restless' to 'deep and calming'.
Proper breathing is an important strategy and technique in Qigong practice. It is also a technique that has to be practiced daily until it becomes natural (a way of life). Proper breathing can calm the mind, lower blood pressure, and provide other benefits to the mind and body. Mastering Qigong breathing is a key element to improving and maintaining your health.
Through proper abdominal breathing, lung capacity can be improved promoting the circulation of oxygen in the blood, massaging the internal abdominal organs, and helping digestion and assimilation of food.
Qigong breathing in this context refers to the "mindful" gathering of the energy that surrounds us and storing that energy within the lower abdomen (Dantian). This breathing cleanses the body and rejuvenaties it with positive, healing energy(Qi).
The Mists surrounding WuDangShan "Purple Round-Top Mountain"The ancient practitioners of Chinese Medicine observed that a primordial life force energy animated all living beings. This energy (Qi) is the light which powers every organ and cell to function. When it is in abundance we are healthy. A person practices Qigong to "collect" this energy.
The ancients said Qi has Mist-like properties. This fog-like substance exists in all cities, buildings and houses. Places like forests, riverbanks, and waterfalls have more Qi, but the energy is everywhere. Floating like a mist.
Chinese Medicine says Qi is stored in the Kidneys and Liver. During Qigong practice we can feel a powerful pulsation of blood in our body as it is said in chinese medicine "Qi, is the commander of the Blood"... and "the blood follows Qi." Often it takes people by surprise how warm they feel after making just a few hand movements. Qigong moves a lot of blood and generates a lot of energy – without a lot of movement or stress...
The art of Qigong consists primarily of four methods used to collect this energy:
- Breathing exercises
- Physical movements
- Meditation and
- Visualisation
Taijiquan
Taiji can be called "Meditation in Motion", "Daoist Principles in Practise", "Moving Yoga", or "Chinese Soft Style Martial Art". However, no one description represents the whole Art, all should be included to be considered Taijiquan.Benefits
Taiji is based upon relaxation of body and mind. The quiet and gentle nature of the exercise overcomes stress and its related illnesses. Other benefits include improved blood circulation, better posture and alignment, and a strengthened immune system. All contributing to greater quality and likely quantity of life.
Requirements
The only requirements for Taiji are patience and perseverance, it is equally suitable for young and old, men and women and can be continued as a life long practice.