Qi Gong for Healthy Vitality and Longevity
Qigong is an
integration of physical postures, stretching, breathing techniques, and focused
intentions based on the concepts of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and
acupuncture. The word Qigong (Chi Kung) is made up of two Chinese words. Qi is
pronounced chee and is usually translated to mean the life force or vital-energy
that flows through all living things. The second word, Gong, pronounced gung,
means accomplishment, or skill that is cultivated through steady practice.
Together, Qigong (Chi Kung) means cultivating energy. It is a system practiced
for health maintenance, healing and increasing vitality. 
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 Qi; others circulate it, use it to cleanse and heal the body, store it, or emit Qi to help heal others. Practices vary from the soft internal styles such as Tai 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
is a highly effective health care practice. Qigong creates an awareness of our
bodies, our breathing, and our thoughts that may be helping or hindering our
health and. Most exercises, such as aerobics or running, do not involve this
awareness used in qigong, nor do they emphasize the importance of adding mind
intent and breathing techniques to physical movements. When these dimensions are
added the benefits of exercise increase exponentially.
The gentle, rhythmic movements of Qigong reduce stress, reduce pain, 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 consistent practice of Qigong find that it helps one regain a youthful vitality, maintain health even into old age and helps speed recovery from illness. Western scientific research confirms that Qigong reduces hypertension and the incidence of falling in the aged population.
People
do Qigong to maintain health, heal their bodies, calm their minds,
and reconnect with their spirit.
When body spirit and mind are integrated into a regular practice such as qigong, it encourages a positive outlook on life and helps eliminate harmful attitudes and behaviours. It also creates a balanced life style, which brings greater harmony, stability, and enjoyment!
There are a wide variety of Qigong practices. They vary from the simple, internal forms to the more complex and challenging external styles. They can interest and benefit everyone, from the most physically challenged to the super athlete. There are Qigong classes for children, senior citizens, and every age group in between. Since Qigong can be practiced anywhere or at any time, there is no need to buy special clothing or to join a health club.
The great appeal of Qigong is that everyone can benefit, regardless of ability, age, belief system or life circumstances. Anyone can enrich their lives by adding Qigong to their daily routine.
Children and students learning to channel their energy and develop increased concentration; office workers learning Qigong to reduce stress; seniors participating in gentle movements to enhance balance and their quality of life; caregivers embracing a practice to develop their ability to help others; prisons instituting Qigong programs to restore balance in inmates lives; midwives using Qigong techniques to ease child birth, qigong can truly benefit everyone!
Screenshots from Jeffrey's DVD now available.
