Qigong is a powerful healing tradition, that combines the concept of qi, or vital body energy, with gong, which is the skill of cultivating self-discipline. Qigong training involves mastering techniques in meditation, relaxation, and a variety of physical and breathing exercises. Ultimately, the goal of Qigong is to develop awareness of Qi in the body, and guide that Qi with the mind. Advanced Qigong practitioners can use their own Qi to heal others. In ancient times, those Masters who had achieved higher states of being have been said to be able to make physical changes in their surroundings simply using the power of their own energy, or Qi. As a master of Qigong, you could boost your metabolism, relieve back pain, achieve a supreme state of relaxation, or even cause physiological changes to occur in your body.
Embracing Chinese Qigong means embracing an entire lifestyle and philosophy, but it can begin with some basic training. You can even get started with a DVD or video, or attend one of many classes available in major cities designed to introduce people to the technique. You do not need to be a Qigong master to enjoy the benefits of this technique. Spring Forest Qigong in particular attempts to remove some of the mystery that has historically surrounded Qigong to make it more available to people.
Qigong takes on different forms, although the basics remain the same. Zhineng Qigong for example, combines Western medicine with traditional Chinese medicine. Founder Pang Ming Laoshi created a medicineless hospital in 1988 in Hebei Province. The hospital, which has modern medical equipment and professionals trained in Western medicine, has had a remarkable success rate in healing patients.
Yan Xin Qigong, founded by Dr. Yan Xin, has also found advocates in the West, with a regimen of promoting wellness, relaxation and healing using a foundation of ancient Chinese techniques. In fact, Qigong has gained many Western advocates, including the Qigong Association of America, the Qigong Institute and the National Qigong Association. Several publications available in the West also focus on exploring Qigong as a healing and therapeutic treatment, such as Qigong Magazine and the Kung Fu and Qigong Magazine. Schools of Qigong have started in most every major Western city.
Other methods of Qigong, including Wudang Qigong and Dayan Qigong, also bring traditional methods to all parts of the world. Qigong is often associated with the martial arts including kung fu, with variations being iron shirt and iron fist Qigong. Shaolin Qigong is also a type of kung fu martial art. Shaolin kung fu, originally developed in the Shaolin monastery in China, goes back 1500 years. Like the other martial arts, the benefits are many. While in the West, people associate martial arts with fighting and self defense, in fact self defense is only a small part of kung fu, Qigong and other practices. Other benefits include overall improvement and maintenance of good health and vitality, expansion of the mind, and development of the spirit.
