Spiritual Forum

What is Qi Gong (Chi Kung)? 

In Chinese, "qi gong," pronounced "chee gung," translates literally as "energy work," or "attaining merit from working with qi."

Visualization, Deep Breathing, Flowing Postures

Qi Gong is an ancient Chinese exercise art that promotes recovery, rejuvenation, and longevity for the body by keeping a clear mind and a peaceful spirit. Qi Gongcoordinates visualization with deep breathing and flowing postures (similar to yoga).

Posture is a Function of the Body

The feet should feel as if their underground and the legs are heavy like a tree trunk rooting into the earth. Generally, the feet are spaced either at shoulder width or wide (horse) width. The knees are slightly bent to allow the blood to circulate. The hips are tucked in to strengthen the grounded stance. The groin is open to allow for energy circulation. The abdomen, shoulders, and neck are relaxed. The arms should be light, like full tree branches blowing in the wind. The spine is straight as if it was being pulled at either end like a string of pearls. Imagine the head being pulled at its crown, and the perineum (area between the anus and the genitals) being pulled down. All flowing movements begins in the center of gravity, located 1.5” below the navel. This region is known as the elixir field, or dan tian. When you watch qi gongmovements you are actually watching the expression of the vital breath being inhaled and exhaled.

Breathing is a Function of the Spirit

Do not force breathing but follow it. Most people breathe naturally from the chest. This has proven to put a lot of pressure on the heart, causing stress. In qigong, practitioners learn to adopt deep abdominal breathing to relax the mind and relieve stress. Traditionally this is called putting the fire below (in the belly) and the water above (in the mind). Deep natural breathing should be used at first. When natural abdominal breathing is used, the abdomen expands on the inhale and contracts on the exhale. Generally, one should inhale during upward, outward, and expanding arm movements, and exhale during downward, inward, and contracting arm movements. When it becomes natural to coordinate the breathing with the postures, the practitioner can employ certain physical mechanisms to assist the conduction of energy.

For instance, during inhalation slightly contract the sphincter muscle to ascend energy up the spine while holding the tongue at the roof the mouth. During exhalation drop the tip of the tongue to the floor, connecting it to the root of the tongue and relax the sphincter muscle. Using these mechanisms lead to Taoist reverse abdominal breathing.

It is most important to use deep, steady breathing. Breathing is the strategy of the mind to lower brain wave frequencies. When brain wave frequency becomes low enough, as if in a sleep state but fully conscious, the body’s healing capacities become optimum.

Visualization is the Function of the Mind

Visualization depends upon the exercise. Generally one should gently focus the mind on the lower dantian (elixir field), 1.5 inches below the navel, in the center of the abdominal cavity. This is the center of gravity and ocean of energy in a human being. One should visualize a golden ball of light in the lower dantian that expands and contracts with the flowing postures.

The energy from the golden ball descends the legs and spreads out under the feet like roots. When one is properly rooted they cannot be knocked over. The soles of the feet also well earthly energy that is stored in the vital organs. The energy spreads out of the palms for healing. The energy connects with the cosmic integrity (heaven) through the vertex point on top of the head. The connecting points on the soles, palms and vertex of head, are known as the five gates, where energy is exchanged between heaven and earth through the human being. This human conduit for the heavenly and earthly energies is known as the macrocosmic orbit.

The internal energy circuit is known as the microcosmic orbit, or great meridian. The energy ascends beneath the spine during inhalation, and descends beneath the anterior centerline during exhalation.

Qi Gong Benefits

Physically, Qi Gong optimizes organ functions of the heart, spleen, lung, kidney, and liver. Energetically, Qi Gong harmonizes the energy flow through its pathways in the body called meridians. Spiritually, Qi Gong calms, opens, and sharpens the mind.

Health, Meditation, Martial Art

Qi Gong has three primary applications: healing art, martial art and spiritual art (meditation), which all combine in this easy to learn and fun to practice exercise that will enhance every aspect of your life. Its a mind-body-spirit way to feel better, think clearer, and be more energized!

Spiritual/Ritual Art

Qi Gong exercise is at least 5000 years old, predating the texts of Chinese shamanism and Taoism. The Taoists incorporated qi gong, like a dance, in their ritual ceremonies as a means of communicating with spirits, or joining their center of gravity with the original center.

The Taoists adopted qi gong as an internal alchemical practice that fortified the gradual achievement of immortality. A Taoist will tell you to go to your fate, which lies within yourself. This simply means, by constant yet gentle focus on the breathing from the dantian, or elixir field, located internally 1.5” below the navel, a person can forget their worries, free their mind from thoughts, simplify and lengthen their life.

Martial Art 

Qi Gong was applied martially in order to protect and preserve life by the most efficient means possible. The adept’s mind is alert to the opponent’s center of gravity, and open to respond spontaneously to the opponent’s mistake of over extending and/or losing the center.

There are hundreds of different qi gong forms and exercises, ranging from laying down, sitting, standing, and walking forms. Ultimately, all martial arts are founded upon the principles of qi and the center of gravity at the dantian.

Healing Art

Qi Gong is a therapeutic exercise modality prescribed within the scope of Oriental Medicine, which also utilizes acupuncture, herbs, dietary counseling, and medical massage. In China, terminal cancer patients are out living their life expectancies by practicing qi gong daily. The daily practice of qi gong, which is an active self- treatment, can treat many physiological disorders.

“Empty your mind of all thoughts. Let your heart be at peace. Watch the turmoil of beings, but contemplate their return. Each separate being in the universe returns to the common source. Returning to the source is serenity.” -Chapter 16, Tao De Jing

Some physiological benefits of Qi Gong include:

• Eliminates toxins
• Builds stamina and increases vitality
• Relieves pain and stress
• Enhances immune system
• Stabilizes brain waves
• Regulates hormone release
• Regulates body temperature and weight
• Increases flexibility
• Deepens and slows respiration
• Regulates blood pressure and heart rate
• Aids digestion
• Regulates blood sugar level

Credits to Michael

http://meridianmotion.com/medical_qigong.htm