MIND-BODY
HEALING and QI
GONG
"Maintaining
order, rather than correcting disorder, is the ultimate
principle of wisdom."
From
Nei Jing
(medical
classic from 200BC)
By Karin Whitney Cooke, RN, BS
Qigong (also spelled chi kung) is a practice that is over 4000
years
old in China. It is meditative, healing and spiritual and has
been found to be a powerful way to maintain health, treat disease, and
cultivate wisdom. Tai chi is related to qigong as the martial art
form of the science. There are hundreds of forms of qigong in
China today that vary in forms and techniques. The aim of all
qigong forms is the same: to help people achieve their optimum level of
wellness; to make a positive impact to the well being of humanity.
How does Qigong work? The body is enlivened by a
life-force
energy, which when blocked or weakened, can predispose a person to
illness. Treatments, such as Qigong, that can increase the energy
flow can be curative. Like a radio with a spent battery, a human
body with low levels of energy (qi) performs poorly. Qigong is
the practice of bringing qi (energy) from the universe into the body,
and the cultivation of that vital energy to flow throughout the body
unimpeded by blockages. Blockages are formed throughout our meridians
(energy pathways) by stress, improper diet, pollution and other
environmental toxins. Qi is the true energy of being alive, it
keeps us healthy. According to Chinese medicine, when qi and
blood are circulating freely, there is no disease or pain.
Qigong masters refer to Qigong as a biological science. It comes
from the struggle of mankind against a toxic environment and illness,
and has been effective for centuries in improving health and curing
disease. The effectiveness of Qigong comes from treating the mind
and the body as a whole. It is a physical as well as a mental
exercise that regulates the three essential elements: MIND, BREATH, and
BODY. To practice Qigong regularly will optimize health
continuously.
Masters profess that by combining both physical and mental work,
Qigong
transforms energy into qi (bioenergy, vital force, life-force, prana,
ki, mana), which stores spirit, and in turn, spirit then nourishes
qi. In every movement there is exercise of the mind as well as of
all parts of the body; while the qi is being directed to the internal
organs simultaneously. This process cleans out the channels
(meridians) and nourishes the qi and blood. Energy, qi, and
spirit will then be sufficient in the body to nourish the inner organs
and limbs so illness can be prevented or overcome and health
improved. This is an active therapy, capable of tapping
one's natural potential and curing disease with one's own
power. The purpose here is to prevent disease, recover health,
and prolong life to make a greater contribution to society.
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The
curative
mechanisms
of Qigong are
the result of
exercising the
muscles, bones and skin externally,while
refining energy,
qi and mind
internally. |
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Through this
exercise of the mind, breath and body,
the qi and blood are allowed to flow freely around the body without any
blockage. Qigong treats the mind and body as a whole, thus is very
effective. With continued Qigong practice, the accumulation
of vital energy in the body will steadily increase. As this
energy gains momentum, it is capable of killing bacteria and malignant
cells and increases resistance to disease. The more time spent on
one's practice, the better the results
Qigong trains the will and the powers of concentration and can
be an
efficient tool in the transformative process. To have a profound
influence on the well being of the individual can collectively have the
same positive influence on the nation and on the world. Therefore
it is worthy of our greatest efforts.
There are three important aspects to improving one's health,
curing disease and profiting from Qigong. The first is
CONFIDENCE. You need to believe that through hard work and
consistent practice, health will be improved and disease cured.
The second aspect is DETERMINATION. Make up your mind to overcome
all the difficulties. Find time in your busy schedule to make
your practice a priority. PERSEVERANCE in carrying on your
practice is important.
A regular life and healthy diet are an important part of Qigong
practice. Let positive feelings leave no room for the
negative. Accept things as they are. Those who suffer from
chronic illness should take an active part in regaining their health.
HAVE POSITIVE IDEAS,
BECAUSE
POSITIVE IDEAS BRING POSITIVE QI!
AS QI FILLS THE BODY-
THE BODY FILLS WITH LIFE!
ENERGY FLOWS WHERE ATTENTION GOES!
"Qigong is not connected to any religion or superstition. Qigong is a
very special kind of life science. It studies the essence of humans,
how to improve our potential through the connection with Qi, and how to
enhance the quality of life resulting in good health, joy and longevity.
The universe is made up of Qi. In Qigong
theory, Qi is invisible to the human eye, but can be sensed by the
human mind. Our thoughts are a unique type of Qi. This kind of Qi is
linked to everything in our existence. It affects ourselves and
everything around us. Everything in the universe is material, including
our ideas. Most of our thoughts are wasting our body energy but people
become more careful to keep the Qi field clear when they realize that
our thoughts affect our health, emotions and every action. It's very
special. Once we are able to master the Qi, then we will be able
to master our fate."
– Jianshe Liu, Qigong Master
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