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Gather Your Qi
Author: Kathleen Gagne
I've recently been hearing a lot about Qigong (pronounced chee-GONG). I've
heard it referenced in connection with exercise, relaxation and balance.
Since these are subjects that I'm always interested in, and thinking that
it was the new "thing", I started doing some research on what Qigong is.
As it turns out, Qigong isn't new at all. Qigong is just the current name
for the Taoist breathing exercises that date back nearly 5,000 years.
Definition of Qigong
Qi refers to the energy of the universe. Gong means to gather with skill.
Putting them together, Qigong means to gather energy from the universe
with practiced skill. Using breathing, slow rhythmic movement and mental
images, qi is gathered, brought into the body and moved through the
meridians of the body. The
results calm the mind, energize the body and help to create a sense of
balance. The mind, body and spirit all work together.
History of Qigong
The concept of moving qi through the body may actually have originated as
far back as 6000 years ago in India. However, it is believed that Qigong
was developed in China around 4000 years ago. It was primarily used for
health and religion purposes before its introduction into martial arts.
Qigong for Health
Qigong is traditionally used to balance the yin and yang. The Chinese
believe that disease and illness are the direct cause of the imbalance
between yin and yang. Therefore, Qigong is the natural method to optimize
the body's latent energy and guard against illness.
The benefits of Qigong are numerous. Using the lower stomach while
breathing stimulates the lymph system, which in turn detoxifies and
oxygenates the body. The breathing and mental imagery shift our nervous
system and reduce stress. The gentle movements lubricate the joints and
increase flexibility. Qigong has been said to alleviate arthritis and
chronic fatigue, improve metabolism and increase circulation. The lists go
on and
on.
About the author.
To learn more about Qigong and other methods to balance your life, visit
the author's website at
Connecting Rainbows.
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