Qigong Meditation

Qigong meditation is an ancient Chinese method of exercise and meditation that makes the mind and spirit calm and cultivates health, well-being, and long life. Thus, there are three major types of qigong: spiritual, sports, and healing. It is a spiritually natured discipline, inspired by ancient Chinese shamans, Taoists, and Buddhists, all of whom sought after harmony and peace in the solitude of nature. Qigong meditation is said to have begun when the Yi Jing - Book of Changes was introduced to China, sometime before 1122 B.C., and to then qigong meditation continued until the Han dynasty (206 B.C.) when Buddhism and its meditation methods were imported from India. Qigong meditation is a very old Chinese energy (Chi) practice and is a self-healing art form that combines movement and meditation. Visualizations are used to improve the mind/body relation and aid healing. Quiet is the key. The Qi is the fundamental energy of the body; while gong means the ability of moving this Qi.

Spiritual Qi Gong

The ideal of Spiritual qigong is return to the original nature of a child and beyond that by re-discovering our minds as manifestations of Nature itself. Advancement in Qigong meditation is often accompanied by a variety of spiritual experiences. For example, synchronicity and meaningful coincidences, become more common. When the Qi is abundant, clear, and flowing, the senses perceive and are infused by sweetness.

Sports Qi Gong

In sports and martial arts, Qigong meditation is the key to strength, stamina, coordination, speed, flexibility, balance, and helps resist injury. Qigong meditation exercises can develop performance in any sport.                          

Healing Qi Gong

Qi Gong, a preventative healing method, is viewed by millions of Chinese as a way of mastering the energy that fills all of nature and humanity - the qi - literally meaning ‘the breath of life’. Qigong gives emphasis to the whole body, whole system health.
There are more and more scientific reports today supporting the fact that qigong can affect the immune system and endorphin levels in the brain. Qigong can exert a tremendous influence over the muscular motion system. Scientifically and medically, tests have proven that the benefits of qigong mediation are accurately positive on the humans’ brain and body.

China and the U.S. have hosted conferences for academic exchange of qigong research. Qigong has been revealed to improve posture and respiration, induce the relaxation response, and improve self-awareness and concentration. Research implies that Qigong may be positive for Asthma, Arthritis, Cancer, Cardiovascular Disease, Chronic Fatigue, Fibromyalgia, Headaches, Pain, and a wide variety of common ailments. External Qi Healing is effective for the same range of illnesses as acupuncture.
Qi Gong has been operating for thousands of years in china and the east as a spiritual as well as medicinal healing aid. Only recently has science begun to come to understand the benefits of the Qi.

Because qigong includes active and mild techniques that can be practiced from standing or seated positions, it is appropriate for young and old. Practices can be modified to individual needs making it a perfect aid to recovery from illness or injury. Qigong mediation is a form of complementary medicine. It works in conjunction with other forms of therapy and should never be used as a replacement for crucial treatment by a physician.

By Philip Stilchford