about
Qigong
Qigong, often referred to as "the art of energy cultivation," is an ancient Chinese practice that blends physical postures, breathing techniques, and mental concentration to improve holistic health and well-being. The term "Qigong" combines "Qi," representing vital energy or life force, and "Gong," signifying cultivation or practice.
Rooted in traditional Chinese medicine, Taoist philosophy, and martial arts, Qigong seeks to harmonize the body's Qi flow, synchronize mind and body, and enhance the body's innate healing capacities.
With a multitude of styles and variations, Qigong encompasses diverse movements, breathing methods, and meditation practices. Some forms emphasize gentle, flowing movements for relaxation and stress relief, while others focus on dynamic, martial-inspired techniques to develop strength, flexibility, and self-defense skills.
Practiced for its numerous health benefits, Qigong offers advantages such as improved circulation, stress reduction, heightened flexibility, boosted immune function, and overall well-being. Suitable for individuals of all ages and fitness levels, Qigong can be tailored to suit personal preferences and needs.
Regular Qigong practice typically involves performing gentle movements or postures, synchronizing them with deep breathing, and cultivating a calm and focused mental state. Over time, practitioners often experience heightened energy levels, enhanced mental clarity, and a deeper connection to themselves and their surroundings.
Qigong encompasses various orientations tailored to different purposes: Qigong for health, Qigong for wellness, Qigong with a martial orientation, and Qigong for spiritual development.
In essence, Qigong transcends mere physical exercise, serving as a holistic discipline that nurtures the body, mind, and spirit. It offers a pathway to enhanced health, vitality, and inner peace.
Moving Qigong
In moving Qigong, typically, less mental effort is required, making it simpler. Most beginners start with moving Qigong: they learn a form consisting of around 10-20 movements, which are repeated in a flowing and harmonious sequence.
In moving Qigong, the breath guides the movement, or movement induces a change in breathing. This movement facilitates the flow and harmonization of life energy, leading to improved health.
Inner Qigong
Inner Qigong is generally regarded as more advanced and challenging. In inner Qigong, there are no physical movements.
There are generally two levels of inner Qigong:
1. Qi is directly guided by the power of visualisation. It follows solely the second principle "The mind directs the Qi." This allows the energy to penetrate deep into the body: into the internal energy centers, the spinal cord, the brain, and even into the marrow of the bones. No sport exercise can achieve these effects!
2. The mind focuses on a "point" - for example, the lower abdomen or the center of the brain - and becomes quieter and quieter. The Qi increases, refines, and calms itself naturally. It flows where it is needed.
This second level of inner Qigong is fundamentally aimed at cultivating the mind. In it, the practitioner gains insights into the structure of the self and into deep principles of life that are not perceptible at the level of the sensory world. Often, special abilities such as clairvoyance may unfold, especially when the practitioner is not striving for them!
In China, inner Qigong is considered one of the highest arts because, when practiced for years, it can develop many mental abilities and inner strengths.
