Qigong(气功), also spelled Chi Kong or Chi Kung, literally means to practice with the life force or life energy. It is a form of healing and meditation that incorporates breathing techniques and often gentle movements or exercises. Qigong can involve different positions such as lying down, sitting, or standing. It is used as traditional Chinese medicine that focuses on improving and utilizing the body’s vital “qi” or “chi” energy. Qigong combines physical movements, breathing techniques, and various meditations to focus on a specific purpose.
There are countless types(类型) of Qigong(气功), we divide them into four different categories: health, medical, spiritual and martial.
Health Qigong(健康气功)
Health Qigong is the most common form. Health qigong exercises can lower stress and anxiety while raising confidence, stamina and concentration. This type of qigong typically involves supine or seated meditations, breathing exercises and gentle movements. Health Qigong comes in many forms and varieties and brings general overall health benefits. It is practiced by young and old people with different fitness levels all over the world.
Medical Qigong(医疗气功)
Medical qigong involves a qualified qigong practitioner using a combination of energy manipulation, herbal remedies, Chinese massage techniques and acupuncture to treat a patient with acute or long-term illness. Medical qigong therapy is often used to help individuals with cancer, post-stroke syndromes, Parkinson’s disease and chronic pain conditions. The Qigong exercises are proven to strengthen the immune system, nervous system and internal organs; to regulate hormones and reduce pain; and to relieve stress. Medical qigong is often combined with other therapies such as acupuncture, massage and herbal tonics to heal ongoing illnesses.
Spiritual Qigong(精神气功)
Spiritual or religious qigong is practiced to achieve harmony and self-awareness. This type of qigong typically combines seated and moving meditation, and prayers to pursue spiritual enlightenment. Spiritual qigong exercises lead to tranquility, self-awareness and harmony with nature and oneself. The purpose of spiritual qigong differs according to each religion; for instance, Confucians use it to better adhere to their system of beliefs, and Buddhists perform qigong to become enlightened.
Martial Arts Qigong(武术气功)
Qigong is also practiced to improve skill in martial arts and other sports. Martial arts qigong focuses on improving physical prowess. Martial artists often use martial qigong exercises to improve speed, power, flexibility, balance and coordination. Qigong exercises can improve performance in any sport, improving the golf drive, tackling ability in football, accuracy in tennis, and stamina in swimming.
No matter what type(类型) of qigong(气功) you practice, health, medical, spiritual, or martial, you’ll find that you benefit a lot from qigong. Practicing health qigong will benefit your health; martial qigong will benefit your health and enhance your spirituality; medical qigong may include the practice of controlling qi for healing rather than martial purposes; spiritual qigong practice can improve both martial skills and health.
