气功 QIGONG

The word Qigong is energy cultivation formed by two Chinese characters: Qi (energy) and Gong (work, practice, cultivation), hence, energy work, or more precisely energy cultivation. It requires the integration of mind and body and it is based on the Chinese Qi physiology. Qi is the entity, the substance making up the world, and everything in the universe is the result of the movement and change of Qi. By cultivating one’s own Qi, the practitioner of Qigong can actively renew the internal climate of the body. Qi cultivation helps attain a higher level of physical and spiritual awareness.

Qigong is the focused stillness and flexibility of postures and the peaceful clarity of meditation. The objective of Qigong is to enhance the movement of Qi through the meridians and collaterals of the body, so as to achieve maximum physical stamina and flexibility; and a clear, calm state of mind. Good Qi is taken through the air we breathe and the foods we eat; bad Qi is expelled and recycled as part of the endless cosmic flow. According to the Chinese, the best time to take in Qi is in the early morning, and the best place to do it is in proximity with nature.

Qigong is recognized as part of China’s cultural heritage and one of its national treasures. Beginning in childhood the Chinese are taught that neglecting the self causes illness, while living sensibly and taking good care of both body and mind are essential for wellbeing. Millions of people in China practice Qigong daily, which does not aim to burn off energy, but rather to generate, store and reinforce it.

Qigong movements are graceful, slow, and rhythmical, or balanced flowing stillness. In the last twenty to thirty years, Qigong appeared in the West, and soon after it proved to help maintain health and wellbeing of its practitioners. Qigong was handed down through families or through the monasteries where it was practiced by Daoist and Buddhist monks. Many branches of the art developed, but ultimately, the thousands of the Qigong postures and movements, all share the principles that underlie Chinese medicine, i.e. tonifying depleted Qi, clearing blocked or excess Qi, and strengthening internal and defensive Qi.

Qigong is a moving meditation practice and does not involve going into a trance, or even keeping still; indeed, the practice of Qigong involve developing a meditative state while moving, standing, or sitting in a static posture. Setting aside time daily to meditate will calm the spirit and strengthen the Qi. If possible, meditating outside would be a most beneficial practice. Avoid meditating within an hour of eating.

Qigong practices that emphasize softness, relaxation, and gentle exercises are called Soft-Qigong, e.g. Tai-Chi. Hard-Qigong such as Kung-fu refers to exercises done in traditional martial arts. It emphasizes powerful and vigorous movements and aims to reinforce and protect the body from blows and cuts.

The history of Qigong dates back to about 5000 years. The practice was given several names over time, such as Xing-Qi (promoting the circulation of Qi), Fu-Qi (taking Qi), Dao-Yin (guiding the energy flow), Zuo-Chan (sitting in meditation), Yang-Shen (nourishing the spirit), and Jing-Zuo (sitting still). In 1953, when Liu Gui-Zheng published a paper entitled “Practice on Qigong Therapy,” the term Qigong was adopted widely as a formal name for this type of exercise.

Like everything else in Chinese medicine, due to the long-term struggles with nature, through trial and error, the ancients gradually realized that body movements, exclamations, and various ways of breathing could help readjust certain functions of the body. The  development of Qigong can be divided into four major periods:

Before 206 BC
The period was marked by the Yi Jing (Book of Changes c.1122 BC), the first book to introduce the vital energy, or Qi. People used the concept of the universe to explain the laws of nature, which is basically the integration of the three natural energies of heaven, earth, and man. Studying the relationship of these three powers was the first step in the development of Qigong. During the Zhou Dynasty, the founder of Taoism ─Lao Zi, born in 590 BC, wrote about breathing techniques in his book Tao De Jing Classic on the Virtue of the Tao. Interest in Qi heightened in the evolution of Chinese medicine and Qigong became one of the roots of Chinese medicine as well as concepts such as Yin &Yang and the Five-Elements.

206 BC – 500 AD
During the Han Dynasty 206 BC – 220 AD, Buddhist and meditation methods were imported from India, which brought Qigong practice and meditation to the forefront. The practitioners cultivated their Qi to a deeper level, worked with internal functions of the body, and strove to control their bodies, minds, and spirits in order to escape the cycle of reincarnation.

500 AD – 1911 AD
During the Liang Dynasty 502-557 AD, it was discovered that Qigong could be used for martial arts purposes. Many different styles of Qigong were founded, for example TaiChi Nei Dan -Internal Elixir, and Shaolin Wai Dan -External Elixir exercises. Later in the Qing Dynasty 1644-1911 AD, Qigong practices from India, Japan and other countries also became known in China because of improved communication between the countries.

1911 AD – present
Qigong has gained higher priority and more rapid development since the founding of the People’s Republic of China. Medical workers and Qigong masters have made efforts to popularize it for health preservation and disease prevention. Scientists study Qigong in terms of physiology, biochemistry, and modern medicine, which has inspired many to learn the tradition. Selective training has now been replaced by more open teaching and research.

According to the historical background, Qigong can be classified into five major traditions; Confucian, Buddhist, Taoist, Medical, and Martial Arts. Each tradition has its own purpose and different methods of training and practice. The following is a brief description of the major traditions of Qigong and its applications.

TRADITION	COMMITMENT
Medical Qigong	Medical Qigong emphasizes the free flow and balance of Qi in the body. The primary purpose is to treat illness or cure disease. Medical practitioners learn how to use the inner Qi for diagnosis and healing.
Taoist Qigong	Stresses preservation of the physical body and high virtue. Many Taoist Qigong masters enjoyed long lives.
Buddhist Qigong	Aims to liberate the mind, to cultivate virtue, and to attain enlightenment.
Confucian Qigong	Aims to provide high moral character and intelligence.
Martial Arts Qigong	Trains the body for protection from cuts by weapons or attacks using the four limbs. It also trains the body to deliver fatal blows enhanced with Qi.

Despite its esoteric origins, no religious belief is required for the practice of Qigong. All practitioners of Qigong will enjoy some health benefits, but only Medical Qigong is primarily concerned with the treatment of disease.

In Chinese medicine history, many of the famous Chinese medicine physicians were also Qigong masters. Hua Tou 141-208 AD, devised movements that were similar to the movements of five different animals Wu Qin Xi: tiger, deer, bear, monkey, and bird. These five animal movements had profound influence on the development of dynamic Qigong practices.

Li Shizhen 1518-1593 AD, a renown physician and pharmacologist in the Ming Dynasty 1368-1644 AD, stated in his book Qi Jing Ba Mai Kao A Study on the Eight Extra Channels, that “The internal conditions and the channels can only be perceived by those who can see things by inward vision.” This famous thesis described the relationship between Qigong and the meridians. The book became a guidebook for novices in that time.

TCM physicians have contributed to the development of Qigong over the centuries making it more practical and widely applicable. It is one of the four main branches of TCM, the others being acupuncture and moxibustion, therapeutic massage & bone-setting, and herbal medicine.

Qigong and The Three Treasures

Qigong theory is based on the principle that all of life is essentially energy in various forms, and that the human being is part of the vast matrix of energy that comprises the Universe. The basic components of this energy is called the Three Treasures. These Three Treasures are Shen (Spirit), Qi (Energy), and Jing (Essence). The principles of Qigong state that Spirit/Soul (Shen) is the director of all Qi in the body. The flow of Qi in the body is what determines the level of function of the organs, tissues, enzymes, proteins, hormones, and other vital substances in the body ─collectively known as Jing. Imbalance in one or more of these three energetic levels can cause problems in the others. Qigong uses sitting and moving meditations to allow the Shen to cleanse the body of Qi stagnation or deviations so that pure Qi can be collected and circulated in the body, which can improve health and immunity in the physique and increase emotional wellbeing.

 

医用气功 MEDICAL QIGONG

Medical Qigong is an ancient form of Chinese energetic-medicine and is one of the four main branches of TCM, along with acupuncture, herbal medicine, and medical massage. As with the other Branches of TCM, healing occurs through balancing of Qi or electromagnetic energy which surrounds and pervades all things.

Disruptions in the electromagnetic energy of the body occur throughout our lifetime as a result of poor diet, sedentary lifestyle, injuries, surgery, suppression of emotions, and aging. The goal of Qigong is to correct these bio-energetic imbalances and blockages to enable the body to strengthen and regulate the internal organs, the nervous system, and the immune system, relieve pain, regulate hormones, and strengthen and release deep-seated emotions and stress.

Medical Qigong therapy consists of treatment by a practitioner to regulate Qi in the body of the patient, and after the treatment they will be given Qigong prescriptions to assist in their ongoing healing.

Medical Qigong is a complete system of health care that recognizes the root causes of symptoms or disease and treats the person as a whole. Practiced as an excellent adjunct to Western medicine, Chinese medicine may successfully treat people with conditions which Western medicine finds resistant or ambiguous.

What Medical Qigong Can Treat

Medical Qigong is currently used in China in the treatment of all medical conditions. Sometimes the entire treatment consists of Qigong, other times it is used in conjunction with herbs, Acupuncture, and Western medical approaches.

Some of the conditions treated include: All types of cancer ─medical Qigong therapy and prescriptions are used to help reduce or eliminate side effects from radiation and chemotherapy; Cardiovascular disorders ─chest pain, hypertension, high cholesterol, post-stroke syndrome, etc.; Chronic and post-operative pain; Gastrointestinal disorders ─Irritable bowel, acid reflux, constipation; Orthopedic disorders ─sprains, strains, sports injuries, broken bones; Emotional disorders ─depression, ADHD, Bipolar disorder; chronic disorders of the digestive, respiratory, cardiovascular, and nervous systems ─cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease; it is especially useful in treating any kind of chronic pain;

Medical Qigong is based on the Chinese Medical principle that all disease is based in energetic patterns, and it is therefore, that it can be used to assist in treating any disease process by adjusting, balancing, and restoring proper energetic functioning to the body.

Like any other system of health care, Qigong is not a panacea but a highly effective healthcare practice. Many health care professionals recommend Qigong as an important form of complementary and alternative medicine.

In TCM, Qigong may be practiced routinely by the physician while performing acupuncture, or after needle stimulation, without specifying this to the patient, or it may be used as a primary therapy, either instructing the patient in useful therapeutic techniques and Qigong exercises, or in physician techniques of an energetic nature which are sometimes combined with a light massage. Qigong is a purely practical and scientifically proven therapeutic practice, that works to establish a better mind-body regulation and harmony. The combined focus of coordination of body movement, breathing and mental visualization define the Qigong experience in simple terms.

Qigong literally means working with Qi. Qi is an abstract concept that means various things in context, and like the word energy, has no specific meaning as a thing in and of itself. In one context it means energetic function in the body, in another it may refer to breathing and respiration of gases. Qi may also refer to specific functions of bodily systems such as the workings of the liver metabolism or the endocrine system, or it may refer to circulation or vitality, depending on the context of use. Qi is tangible in the sense that one may perceive sensations related to the increase and flow of various types of Qi. Just like energy may be felt from the heat of a flame, Qi may be felt when focus is applied, and energetic work is achieved in therapy. The needle stimulation in acupuncture should create what is called in TCM De-Qi, or the “obtaining of Qi”, which is felt by both the patient and the acupuncturist.

Working with Qi, or Qigong, may involve patient learning of techniques such as TaiChi, or it may involve various practices by the physician. The term TaiChi was coined as the name of the Qigong practice developed by Qigong masters, or Buddhist priests, in the Sung Dynasty of 960-1279 AD, for the aid of a renowned boxing champion. In about 1736, this developed martial discipline was called Tai Chi to denote it as the “supreme ultimate” of root martial arts training. There are many forms and exercises in Qigong practice, though, and the patient may learn simple Qigong exercises to benefit their specific health problem and cure, or more elaborate forms of Qigong.

The TCM physician usually has studied some Qigong from various masters and incorporated this into their life and practice. In the medical practice, this is usually part of the daily practice of patient care in acupuncture, much of which depends on the development of subtle techniques and skills, some of which are mechanical and some of which are energetic. It requires some techniques of focus and transmission. This is sort of like the ability of a fine musician. It takes more than simple mechanics to produce great sound from a violin. The virtuoso musician works with a developed sense of energetic focus to produce a superior sound. In like manner, the TCM physician develops Qigong to enhance the success of acupuncture and energetic healing.

The practice of Qigong mindfulness also aids social relationships and secures an improved sense of identity and emotional security. Qigong helps one to harmonize their past, present and future; their identity, their being in the present, and their goals; their groundedness, their outward vision, and their sense of the infinite, or heaven ─the macrocosm. It also helps to harmonize respiration with bodily function and mental control, as well as achieve a better neuromuscular coordination, with focus on movement, breathing, and visualization.

In Daoism, this relates to the cosmological pattern of the three centers of Dan Tian in the body, which are located approximately at the hypothalamus, the thymus ─behind the sternum, and the deep anterior spinal plexus, or adrenal loci, below the navel. The term Dan Tian literally means “cinnabar fields”, or “elixir fields”, and refers to the centers of mind-body control that are most important, with ancient reference to the historical use of alchemical elixirs to achieve longevity.

In China, the word Dan, originally referring to natural mercury, then alchemical practices, came to have a broader meaning, implying any therapeutic practice that was transformative. The term Dan Tian thus cannot be literally interpreted, and is assumed to mean, in context, the 3 sites of transformative systems in the body. In other contexts, the term Dan Tian refers to three acupuncture points, Ren 4, 5, and 7, below the navel, usually called the gate of origin, the stone gate, and the intersection of Yin respectively.

The name Dan Tian is derived from the early Daoist practices now referred to as alchemy, where cinnabar, the most common ore of mercury, called mercury sulfide, or vermillion, is still a useful Chinese mineral herb called ZHU SHA, and was once central to the making of many of the alchemical elixirs to achieve macrobiotic transformation, health, longevity, and increased psychic abilities. The practices of Wai Dan include healthy regimens, including TaiChi. Qigong practice has many components and variations as well, some simple and others complex.

How this actually helps to cure disease and relieve pain or discomfort is often unclear to the patient. Many Qigong practitioners tend to believe that the practice builds a special energetic force, and achieves a supernatural goal, but in reality, Qigong was widely practiced in ancient China as a practical means of increasing health and holistic function with a mind-body practice.

Utilizing the TCM physician to instruct and prescribe these exercises is important to performance. Merely going through the mechanics of the Qigong is not the point of the practice, but rather the cultivation of true mind-body coordination and awareness. There is great similarity between Qigong and some forms of yoga, especially Kundalini Yoga.

QIGONG FOR HEALTH MAINTENANCE

There are numerous Qigong practices based on rhythmic movements that stabilize the body in order to make mental focus possible.  As the Han Dynasty physician Hua Tuo has said: “A door hinge will never become insect-riddled, because it is always being moved.  Rhythmic movement regulates Qi, promotes digestion and blood flow, and guards against disease.”

FOUR QIGONG EXERCISES FOR HEALTH

The first of these is Clicking the Teeth:  It will induce the flow of saliva and stimulate the meridians that pass along the mouth.  Saliva neutralizes oral acids and helps prevent tooth decay; thus, if done after eating, this practice can maintain oral hygiene.  Saliva promotes the digestion of starches, and thus if done just before a meal, it can make the food break down more completely.  Saliva also inhibits the growth of oral pathogens that can cause inflammation and discomfort of the mouth and esophagus.  Clicking the teeth stimulates the energy meridians that enter the base of the teeth: the practice will prevent infection and deterioration of teeth nerves and will improve the energy circulation through the meridians to benefit the internal organs.  A folk saying in China is “Tap the teeth together 36 times in early morning and your teeth will not fall out when you are old.”

The practice is done by closing the mouth lightly and gently tapping the teeth together.  Generally, the molars are tapped together in one round of exercise, the front teeth in another round, and the canines in another: 36 times each round.  Before swallowing the induced saliva, it can be moved around the teeth and gums and inside of the mouth with the tongue.  This one exercise, which only takes a minute, is typical of several Qigong practices that focus on making the most of the body’s secretion systems.

The second is Deep Breathing:  Breathing is the natural cycle that is easiest to control, and the control is directly related to mental and emotional focus and restraint.  A person who is mentally and emotionally agitated will display rapid and shallow breathing. In order to breathe slowly and deeply, it is necessary to calm the mind and emotions, and the deep breathing will then reinforce the calmness.  A simple breathing exercise is to take a moment and give attention to the breath, feeling each deep breath go down to the lower Dan Tian.  What is actually felt, obviously, is the movement of the muscles and internal organs as one allows the diaphragm to descend to its most relaxed and lowest position; however, the sensation is as if the air moves down to the lower abdomen.

As each breath enters and exits, it can be counted; to count even twenty-four deep breaths, without being distracted by thinking, is a beneficial practice.  The beginner may find that after counting just a few breaths the whole exercise has been momentarily forgotten as some train of thought comes through and takes over the awareness.  As this happens, one should start over again, counting from the first new breath.

Deep breathing gets rid of the stale air at the base of the lungs, it increases the oxygen to all the body, and particularly to the brain, and it massages the internal organs.  In particular, it helps to open up the stomach, circulates the energy of the liver, and vitalizes the kidneys and endocrine glands.  The calmness attained during the practice of following the breaths can carry over to other times, and frequent practice makes it easy to recover equilibrium when agitation is caused by some event. In fact, with steady practice, one can maintain a calm attitude through most situations.

The regulated breathing is done either while sitting, standing, or lying down ─an upright posture is preferred because it is easier to maintain mental alertness; the spine must be extended—not bent—to allow full breathing capacity.  The preferred mental focus for Qigong is to imagine the movement of energy to the middle or lower Dan Tian which is an area of the lower abdomen from the navel to about two inches below the navel. 

The third practice is Self-massage: Using the hands to rub the body and stimulate local circulation.  The upper abdomen is massaged by placing the palm on the abdomen and circling it with light pressure in a clockwise direction several times e.g. about 30, covering the area of the stomach, upper intestines, and liver. This exercise will enhance the digestive functions and can be undertaken before and/or after meals. Before meals, it can enhance the appetite if it is weak, or calm the appetite if it is excessive.  After meals it will speed up digestion and will alleviate gas and bloating.  If a deeper massage is desired, the base of the palm can be rotated over a local area, and then moved to the next spot, a little at a time in a clockwise direction.

The fourth practice is Combing the Hair: As described by the 16th century medical specialist Gao Ling: “Selecting a place to do so that is free of draft, comb your head daily 100–200 times during the summer months, taking care not to injure the scalp.  This is a natural method to expel wind and brighten the eyes.” This combing is done with the fingers; the hand is curved, and fingers separated to make a comb-like action, moving from the front hairline back ─for those who are bald, the same basic pattern of combing the head is used. The breathing is kept steady and attention drawn to the sensation in the palms. All the meridians of the head are thus stimulated, and this especially affects the circulation of the Yang Qi.  The number of strokes is typically about 50 at one time, and that can be done two or more times per day.  

The four exercises selected here, taken together will help correct many disorders of the gastrointestinal system, will cam the mind, and brighten the senses. Regular practice ─which takes up only about five to ten minutes per day, over a period of several weeks may produce remarkable improvements.  Continued practice will help prevent future dysfunctions of the internal organs.

Two more exercises:

Humming: An example of a Qigong medical practice proving to be beneficial in treatment is demonstrated with a 2002 study of humming to improve chronic sinusitis, a hallmark of allergic sinus pathology. A classic Qigong therapy taught to patients involves vocalization of tones focused on various parts of the body. Humming, or tonal vocalization, was found to increase nitric oxide production 15-fold and enhance sinus ventilation.

Qigong Healing Walk: Start with the left leg. Walk heel to toe. 2 short breaths in through the nose 1 long breath out through the mouth. Keep the arms away from the body. At the 4th walk with the right leg look to the right when your toe touches the ground. Keep the elbows lose, but away from the body. Feel the absorbing of the knees being relaxed. Legs and hands move together. And we continue. The first three breaths the eyes just look straight ahead. The fourth breath at the exhalation to the direction of the hand. And we do it again. Qigong Healing Walk is to remove or prevent any type of disease in the body, especially cancer. It opens and balances all 12 meridians.

 

TREATMENT METHODS

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________REFERENCES
-2015 Study. Measurable physiological benefits of traditional Chinese Qigong therapy. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26157266
-A 2014 meta-review of all published human clinical trials of Qigong and TaiChi therapy for cancer patients. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24559833
-2015 meta–review of randomized controlled human clinical trials of Qigong therapy, and the classic Qigong form called TaiChi for treatment of depressive mood disorders. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26275645
-2015 study Qigong, Tai Chi, and Yoga can improve the functional balance and stability for Parkinson’s patients. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26236107
-Medical Qigong Exercises. Karolinska Hospital. Stockholm, Sweden. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12119224. Retrieved July 23, 2020.
– Personal classroom notes. 2009-2011.

-Above Article Written by Dr. Osorio, Gloria DAOM, L.Ac. 2012. (Updated 2020)