Qigong is a system of movements that protects, restores and improves
health, with roots deep in Chinese philosophy and medicine. Qigong combines different physical and breathing exercises, and meditative
exercises for the mind.
exercises for the mind.
Life force (qi) is a concept that permeates and connects all of Chinese
philosophy and culture. The philosophical idea of one primal indivisible life force dates back thousands of years. Qi is considered the force that is the foundation of the birth, existence, change, and destruction of everything. On the one hand, qi fills and pervades the whole universe, on the other hand qi signifies the inner force of humans and all other beings, it is the substance that gives and protects life and vitality. In modern western terminology, qi in this context is often translated as energy.
The Chinese word gong signifies learning or training which requires a lot of strength, time and dedication. Qigong is the masterful use of qi, which is accomplished by generous investments of time and strength.
The practice of qigong teaches concentration, determination, and strengthens willpower. It is said that the actual impact of qigong can only be felt once it has been practiced daily for at least 100 days. Although best results can be achieved by regular exercise, it’s commonly believed that it is better to exercise sometimes than never.
About qigong in general
There are many forms of qigong. In the widest sense, they are divided in bigger categories according to their objective. The objectives may overlap sometimes, and health maintenance is important in every category.
Religious qigong, alchemical qigong – Neigong and Waidan gong –, and the so-called scholarly qigong – their central goal is enlightenment and spiritual, or also physical, immortality and their main practices are sitting meditation and internal visualisation practices.
The so-called martial qigong, or martial arts related qigong is geared towards enhancing strength, endurance and dexterity and polishing one’s combat skills. It involves a lot of complex physical exercises to improve balance and dexterity.
Health qigong and medical qigong have health maintenance and improvement, increased longevity, and treatment of illnesses at their centre. They combine spiritual, meditative and physical exercises, and breathing practices.
MEDICAL QIGONG
In principle, we might say that every kind of qigong is essentially health-improving. For example, we know that slow exercises and calming the mind can lower blood pressure and stress levels etc. The term medical qigong came into use quite lately (20th century), in order to differentiate between health qigong, or Chinese health exercises, and medical qigong and its therapies and treatments used for healing.
In Estonia, the taught forms mainly belong to the branch of health qigong (e.g. styles such as Yijin Jing, Wu Qin Xi, Liu Zi Jue, Baduanjin and Shier Duan Jin). It mostly involves group training where the main emphasis is on the maintenance and stability of health and achieving general physical and mental wellness.
Medical qigong or therapeutic qigong is more specifically used to prevent or treat illnesses. These exercises and exercise series have been developed over thousands of years by the practitioners of Chinese medicine and they have been long used in practical therapeutic work. With an experienced qigong therapist it is possible to concentrate on the treatment of specific medical conditions, as certain exercises increase the energy and blood supply of certain organs and meridians. The therapist will help to choose the right intensity, in order to concentrate together on either yin- or yang-style approaches, depending on the practitioner’s health and needs. The therapeutic exercises allow us to stabilize an unstable qi and reduce pain. Exercises and specific meditations help to strengthen the body’s self-healing power.
Medical qigong takes an individual approach to the practitioners, and the exercises are based on their general health. By observing the practitioner’s movements, a qigong therapist can diagnose various health issues. They can also notice some habitual movements and behaviours that can harm the body or mind. The instructor helps to find a personal approach to every exercise, to ensure the body’s right alignment along the main meridians. In collaboration with the instructor, everyone will find their own personal way of doing the exercises and together it is possible to learn to modify the exercises according to the practitioner’s general health. The exercises and their order (intensity, intension, etc.) depend on the specific group or individual. These therapeutic exercises are not practiced much in Estonia.