ENHANCE YOUR LIFE WITH QIGONG

The TCM system of healing is built on the belief that vital energy (Qi) flows throughout every living cell and health depends on how and where this energy is flowing. Qi motivates all vital functions and transformations and thus sustains life. Ultimately, everything in Chinese medicine is based on the concept of Qi. After birth, Qi comes from the digestion and conversion of food, water and herbs we ingest and the air we breathe. This means, it is important to eat correctly, drink pure water (liquids), to get plenty of fresh air and use herbs rather than using highly processed and adulterated food and beverage.

In China prior to 500 B.C. and the subsequent dynasties led by kings, it is believed that it was the (mature) women shamans who created the art of Qi cultivation through their magical powers. The ideogram for women, "wu", is even thought to originally mean "to heal." This art of cultivation, known today as Qigong (pronounced chee-GUNG), is literally translated as "cultivating Qi." Often referred to as "Chinese Yoga" or "Feng Shui for the body," Qigong is an ancient tool for creating medicine naturally developed to support the welfare of the physical body as it retards the aging process.

Twenty minutes of Qigong practice on a regular basis creates profound health benefits. Its slow, gentle, rhythmical, meditative movements prod the entire body to relax as it opens, strengthens and restores the proper flow of Qi. Qigong is suitable for all ages and abilities and can be performed standing, sitting or lying down. A typical Qigong workout includes stretching and strengthening exercises, breathwork, creative visualization, self-massage, vocalization of sounds and meditation through movement and stillness. Click to learn how Chinese medicine treats Stroke (Apoplexy).

The free flow of Qi created through these movements subsequently removes Qi blockages within the energetic pathways (meridians) of the body and promotes blood flow that transports nourishment to our vital organs, glands, and tissue. When Qi and blood is flowing freely as a result of this ancient art of self-healing and fitness youthful skin, eyes and hair is maintained, sexual vitality is enhanced, bones are fortified, muscles and tendons are flexible, hormones are balanced, organ function is strengthened, and energy is plentiful.

The detoxification, Qi cultivation, storage and refinement that result from Qigong practice helps people take charge of their healing process and increases the effectiveness of other healing techniques. Qigong also tones the mind and spirit as it promotes mental clarity and a peaceful, nourished spirit (Shen). It is a powerful self-healing tool that has been likened to "giving oneself acupuncture" for all of the reasons mentioned above, in addition to its ability to balance the Yin and Yang energies of the body.
According to Oriental Medicine, health can be assessed according to the predominance of either too much or too little Yin or Yang in the body. This is based on the Yin Yang Theory that teaches us good health occurs when there is a balance maintained between these two opposing, yet intimately related and attracting energies.