Qigong, also known as ‘Chi Gong’, is a traditional Chinese medicine practice. This technique was developed thousands of years ago in China. It has been practiced for centuries to maintain the energy levels within the mind and soul with the goal of improving and maintaining the health of the Chinese people. Qigong has both psychological and physical agents and involves regulation of mind, breath, and body movement and posture. Qi means “breath” or “air”. which is considered the vital-life-force or life-force energy. Qigong therapists believe that this vital life force permeates everything in the universe and is present in every particle. This corresponds to the Western medical concept of the Greek “pneuma,” the Sanskrit “prana” or “bioelectricity.”
Gong means “work” or “effort” that a person puts into any practice or skill that requires time, patience, and repetition. It helps develop the potential in qi to promote health, prevent disease, and achieve longevity.
How many forms of qigong are there?
In this, the breath has to be kept slow, long and deep. Breathing patterns To breathe with abdominal breath, the sound of the mouth has to be kept equal. Body movements are usually gentle and spontaneous, with the aim of relaxation.
How many types of qigong are there?
There are many different types and styles of qigong, but they all fit into three main categories – medical qigong for physical skills to heal oneself and others martial qigong for self-knowledge spiritual qigong
Medical qigong
Is the most famous of these three categories. It is the oldest of the four branches of traditional Chinese medicine and is the energetic pounding that gave rise to acupuncture, herbal medicine and Chinese massage (tui na). Thus qigong shares the fundamental principles of traditional Chinese medicine and uses treatment methods.
Martial qigong is based on physical skill
This type of qigong is based on physical skill. Martial qigong practice can break bricks, bend steel wire, stick sharp objects to vulnerable parts of the body without damaging the skin, or sustain physical impact with a baseball bat.
Spiritual qigong helps to concentrate.
Self-knowledge is received in this qigong. Which is also called self-knowledge. This is achieved through the use of mantras, mudras (hand positions), sitting meditation, and prayers. These techniques are heavily influenced by Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism. Spiritual qigong teaches discipline. Leads to harmony with nature and oneself.
What are the benefits of qigong?
Qigong has many benefits. Lower stress levels are involved with better balance. At the same time, it has also been effective in curing chronic diseases.
Enhancing Balance
Qigong focuses on your proprioception, controlling the body, moving slowly. Which helps in increasing balance, muscle strength and flexibility.
Reduces Anxiety and Depression
Qigong includes meditation, controlled breathing and gentle activities, all of which are taught to help reduce symptoms of stress and anxiety.
Can Improve Focus
Many people struggle to concentrate on tasks due to busy day to day life, it improves that as well. Teaches work life balance.
Qigong Exercise Relieves Mental Stress
Qigong exercise is a soft activity and emphasizes calm, meditative breathing. Together, it can reduce stress on the body, increasing blood flow. All of these can lower your chronic disease risk.
Website: https://nccih.nih.gov/ You can get more information.
Ayush Singh