QI GONG - One of the most important natural healing tools I have found is Qi Gong (pronounced chee kung). Qi Gong is deceptively simple and easy to master, but its effectiveness is awesome.

In Chinese Qi is energy, and Gong is work. So Qi Gong translates in English to “Energy Work”

Our body’s Qi is our life force. It becomes independent of our mother with the first breath when we are born, and ceases with our last breath when we pass on to our next experience. The “tools” Qi Gong utilizes include breathing patterns coordinated with specific slow movements and self-massage.

Qi Gong originated in the oriental martial arts discipline. Ancient Chinese medical men developed the Qi Gong self-healing form of Tai Chi. It has been practiced for thousands of years, by millions of people.

The theory upon which Qi Gong is based includes:

* The human body is designed to be self-healing
* There are a series of energy (electrical) meridians running through our body
* These energy pathways are the foundation for acupuncture and acupressure
* Dis-ease in the body is created by blockages in the flow of that energy
* We can learn to manipulate that flow of energy
* Our body draws energy from the earth primarily through our extremities

Qi Gong is a system of simple, easy to learn movements correlated with the breath to promote healthy movement of our body’s energy. Its simplicity makes it perfect for people of all ages and fitness levels, including seniors. Many Qi Gong routines may be done entirely seated, and all are simple and easy to learn.

Qi Gong’s gentle, rhythmic exercises mirror many movements found in nature, especially the fluidity of water. When combined with simple breathing techniques, health-promoting Qi Gong boosts and normalizes our immune system, relieves stress, promotes healthy digestion and sleep, helps promote longevity, etc., by supporting our body’s own innate healing ability.

Qi Gong not only is designed to remove blockages in the flow of our body’s energy, but also to promote health maintenance by sustaining the smooth flow of that energy.

In many parts of the world, millions of people practice Qi Gong and Tai Chi every day. In the orient it is most often done in the outdoors, where thousands gather in public parks to begin their day with this form of exercise.

There are reportedly about 250-300 different movements credited to Qi Gong, but most Masters build their routine(s) around 15-20 specific movements. These routines are commonly called a “form.”

I have been practicing Qi Gong daily for about 12-13 years. Over the years I have learned to experience Qi Gong as a moving meditation.

In future posts I’ll analyze some of the popular DVD Qi Gong programs.