Qi-Gong, pronounced as Chi Kung, is an ancient practice in China that centers on the idea of Qi or Chi, which is the energy that flows throughout our bodies. Literally, Qi-Gong means meditating on the practice of Chi. Reflection is combined with movements, 460 in all, as well as breathing techniques, to cultivate and manipulate energy so as to promote self-healing.

The connection of mind and body is a very important concept in Traditional Chinese Medicine so this link is enhanced in Qi-Gong through visualizations to aid healing. Qi-Gong training consists of four types: dynamic (movement), static (holding position), meditative (visualization) and external (methods using external agents).  A Qi-Gong system can include one or more of the training types above.

Dynamic training is the exercise portion of Qi-Gong, which involves a series of precise movements designed to improve the flow of energy in the body.

In Static Qi-Gong, the practitioner holds a certain position for a given time, just like in Yoga. The effort exerted, both mentally and physically, in order to stay in a specific posture enables the practitioner to properly manipulate the energy in his body.

The third training, meditative, is commonly done in Traditional Chinese Medicine to direct chi through the correct energy pathways or meridians to achieve a smooth and continuous energy flow throughout the body. The last Qi-Gong training makes use of external agents such as certain foods, drinks, herbs or massages to manipulate the flow of energy.

As part of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Qi-Gong is used not only to cure illnesses but to prevent them as well. Qi-Gong works by enhancing the immune response of the practitioner to improve the body’s ability to heal itself and recover from illnesses. Aside from maintaining general health, Qi-Gong therapy is used to help a person manage stress and related diseases like Hypertension and is also useful in physical rehabilitation and in the treatment of arthritis and cancer.

Different communities in China practice Qi-Gong aside from the Chinese medical practitioners. Martial artists, scholars, and the religious community all make Qi-Gong a part of their disciplines to enhance their abilities and improve character, reflecting the holistic approach of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

What are the benefits of learning or practicing Qi-Gong?
Like other forms of TCM, Qi-Gong is not officially acknowledged in Western  medicine as having conclusive therapeutic results. However, it is widely accepted and practiced as an alternative form of medicine. Proponents of Qi-Gong believe that because of the meditative component, it improves focus and mental clarity, reduces stress, lowers blood pressure and promotes a better attitude towards health. Qi-Gong is being used as a complementary practice for physical rehabilitation, general health maintenance, relief and management of chronic pain, treatment of depression, detoxification from chemical substance addiction, slow muscular dystrophy and even in the treatment of Parkinson's Disease, Cancer, Diabetes and Asthma.