Qigong

Qigong is a combination of two ideas:
	"Qi" (pronounced chee), means air, breath of life, or vital energy that flows through all things in the universe.
	"Gong" (pronounced gung, as in lung) means the skill of working with, or cultivating, self-discipline and achievement.

Together, Qigong means the skill of cultivating vital energy or the ability to work with the electromagnetic energy of the body.

Qi or electromagnetic energy controls our brain and nervous system, our cardiovascular system, our muscle responses, cellular transport, hormones and every organ and process in the body. Disruptions in this energy occur naturally throughout our lifetime as a result of injuries, surgery, chemical and environmental influences, emotional changes and aging. Qigong uses physical movement, breath work and mental intention to correct these disruptions and restore the function of these systems in our bodies.

The goal of Qigong is to correct the electromagnetic imbalances enabling the body to strengthen and regulate the internal organs, the nervous system, and the immune system relieve pain, regulate hormones, strengthen and purge deep-seated emotions and stress.

Medical Qigong

Medical Qigong is an ancient form of Chinese energetic medicine, and is one of the five main branches of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), along with acupuncture, herbal medicine, nutrition, and medical massage. As with the other "Branches" of TCM, healing occurs through balancing qi or electromagnetic energy which surrounds and pervades all living creatures. Like any other system of health care, Qigong is not a panacea, but it is certainly a highly effective health care practice. Many health care professionals recommend Qigong as an important form of alternative complementary medicine.

Medical Qigong therapy and prescriptions combine the use of breath work with individual physical movements, and mental intention. Medical Qigong therapists are trained to feel Qi or electromagnetic energy--its density, texture, emotional content, and other qualities--in order to diagnose and then to balance the electromagnetic energy in the patient's body. The goal of qigong is to correct the electromagnetic imbalances enabling the body to strengthen and regulate the internal organs, the nervous system, and the immune system relieve pain, regulate hormones, strengthen and purge deep-seated emotions and stress.

Medical qigong therapy consists of treatment by a practitioner to regulate the client's qi. Qigong prescriptions are exercises that the client performs at home to regulate his or her own energy. Medical qigong therapy offers clients a safe and effective way to help rid themselves of many years of electromagnetic disruptions in this body caused by injuries, surgery, chemical and environmental influences, emotional changes and aging.

In China and more recently in the United States, doctors have applied qigong in hospitals and clinics to treat individuals suffering from a variety of ailments. Medical Qigong therapy and prescriptions can be used to treat people with cancer and help reduce or eliminate side effects from radiation and chemotherapy. It will help in treating cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson disease and post-stroke syndrome. It is especially useful in treating any kind of chronic pain, and chronic disorders of the digestive, respiratory, cardiovascular and nervous systems.
 

Who can benefit?

Qigong’s great appeal is that anyone can enrich their lives by adding Qigong to their daily routine, regardless of ability, age, belief system, or life circumstances. Many people practice Qigong simply because it makes them feel good, perform better, and have higher levels of energy and stamina.

Because qigong includes both dynamic and gentle techniques that can be practiced while standing, seated, or lying down, it is suitable for young and old. Practices can be tailored to individual needs making it an ideal aid to recovery from illness or injury.

Children 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.

People do Qigong to maintain health, heal their bodies, calm their minds, and reconnect with their spirit.

Qigong Exercises properly practiced regularly can:

• Improve physical strength and energy
• Help to relieve pain, illness, and physical problems
• Maintain and improve your state of physical fitness and mental well being
• Provide a feeling of calm, comfort, rejuvenation, and balance
• Aid in increasing longevity and overall good health
• Develop a basic ability to relieve pain in others