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Qigong...................Energy for life!
Qigong is an ancient Chinese health care system that integrates physical postures, breathing techniques and focused intention.The word Qigong (Chi Kung) is made up to two Chinese words. Qi is pronounced “chee” and is generally translated to mean “life force” or “vital energy” that flows through all things in the Universe. The second word, Gong, pronounced “gung”, means accomplishment, or skill that is cultivated through constant practice. Together, Qigong means cultivating energy, it is a system practiced for health maintenance, healing and increasing vitality. Qigong is an integration of physical postures, breathing and focused intentions.Qigong practices can be classified as
Martial, Medical or Spiritual. All styles have three things in common: they all involve a posture, (whether moving or stationary), breathing techniques and mental focus.
Some practices increase the Chi: others circulate it, use it to cleanse and heal the body, store it or emit Qi to help heal others, even at long distance. Practices vary from the soft internal styles such as T’ai Chi: to the external, vigorous styles such as Kung Fu. However, the slow gentle movements of most Qigong forms can be easily adapted, even for the physically challenged and can be practiced by all age groups. Qigong creates an awareness of and influences dimensions of our being that are not part of the traditional exercise programs. Most exercises do not involve the meridian system used in acupuncture nor do they emphasize the importance of “mind intent” and breathing techniques to physical movements. When these dimensions are added, the benefits of the exercise increase exponentially.
The gentle, rhythmic movements of Qigong reduce stress, build stamina,increase vitality, and enhance the immune system. It has also been found to improve cardiovascular, respiratory, circulatory, lymphatic and digestive functions. Those who maintain a constant practice of Qigong find it helps one regain some of the lost “youthful vitality”, particularly during the “mature years”.
As with most endeavors, Qigong has to be performed on a regular basis in order to accrue the benefits. People do Qigong to maintain health, heal their bodies, calm their
minds and reconnect with their spirit. The super simple exercises such as those used for beginners, create super benefits for those who indulge in the practice.
Qigong’s great appeal is that everyone can benefit: regardless of ability, age, belief system or life circumstances. When beginners ask " what is the most important aspect of Qigong"? ..........…the answer is always…….just do it!.
Qigong is preferred, in many cases, to T’ai Chi, simply due to the fact that T’ai Chi Chuan requires a six to twelve month commitment to learn say the Short Form (48 moves) and longer for the Long Form (108 moves). This has led to a modified/combination of Qigong and T'ai Chi called Shibashi ( 18 moves) where short programs can be learned quickly without huge investments in time.
As an alternative to Tai Chi, we have introduced an “alternative path” to health and happiness……………that is Shibashi. An 18 move regimen of qigong/tai chi movements, introduced to us by Sifu Wing Cheung. www.taichi18.com
Qigong is an ancient Chinese health care system that integrates physical postures, breathing techniques and focused intention.The word Qigong (Chi Kung) is made up to two Chinese words. Qi is pronounced “chee” and is generally translated to mean “life force” or “vital energy” that flows through all things in the Universe. The second word, Gong, pronounced “gung”, means accomplishment, or skill that is cultivated through constant practice. Together, Qigong means cultivating energy, it is a system practiced for health maintenance, healing and increasing vitality. Qigong is an integration of physical postures, breathing and focused intentions.Qigong practices can be classified as
Martial, Medical or Spiritual. All styles have three things in common: they all involve a posture, (whether moving or stationary), breathing techniques and mental focus.
Some practices increase the Chi: others circulate it, use it to cleanse and heal the body, store it or emit Qi to help heal others, even at long distance. Practices vary from the soft internal styles such as T’ai Chi: to the external, vigorous styles such as Kung Fu. However, the slow gentle movements of most Qigong forms can be easily adapted, even for the physically challenged and can be practiced by all age groups. Qigong creates an awareness of and influences dimensions of our being that are not part of the traditional exercise programs. Most exercises do not involve the meridian system used in acupuncture nor do they emphasize the importance of “mind intent” and breathing techniques to physical movements. When these dimensions are added, the benefits of the exercise increase exponentially.
The gentle, rhythmic movements of Qigong reduce stress, build stamina,increase vitality, and enhance the immune system. It has also been found to improve cardiovascular, respiratory, circulatory, lymphatic and digestive functions. Those who maintain a constant practice of Qigong find it helps one regain some of the lost “youthful vitality”, particularly during the “mature years”.
As with most endeavors, Qigong has to be performed on a regular basis in order to accrue the benefits. People do Qigong to maintain health, heal their bodies, calm their
minds and reconnect with their spirit. The super simple exercises such as those used for beginners, create super benefits for those who indulge in the practice.
Qigong’s great appeal is that everyone can benefit: regardless of ability, age, belief system or life circumstances. When beginners ask " what is the most important aspect of Qigong"? ..........…the answer is always…….just do it!.
Qigong is preferred, in many cases, to T’ai Chi, simply due to the fact that T’ai Chi Chuan requires a six to twelve month commitment to learn say the Short Form (48 moves) and longer for the Long Form (108 moves). This has led to a modified/combination of Qigong and T'ai Chi called Shibashi ( 18 moves) where short programs can be learned quickly without huge investments in time.
As an alternative to Tai Chi, we have introduced an “alternative path” to health and happiness……………that is Shibashi. An 18 move regimen of qigong/tai chi movements, introduced to us by Sifu Wing Cheung. www.taichi18.com
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