Medical Chinese Qigong

Qigong (pronounced chee-gong) is defined by the National Qigong Association as “an ancient Chinese healthcare system that integrates physical postures, breathing techniques, and focused attention.” The earliest history of qigong is lost in antiquity, but some say it goes back to at least 4000 BC. People practice qigong in order to preserve their health and also to heal their body should disharmonies arise. Qigong is also used to calm the mind and to help one reconnect with one’s spirit. Like all of Chinese medicine, a basic premise of qigong is that of holism. In other words, we cannot treat the body without affecting the mind/emotions, and vice versa. Any of us who have had chronic pain know the truth of this when we experience how any increase in stress also makes our pain worse.

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Qigong differs from yoga, another excellent ancient system for promoting body-mind-spirit well-being and harmony, in a number of subtle ways. Many people have found that the practice of both qigong and yoga can be mutually enhancing. Medical qigong usually includes some posture/movement, but this is not a requirement. Medical qigong can be performed standing, sitting, or even lying down. Breathing and intention are the essentials for medical qigong practice, with physical posture and gentle movement serving as enhancements and ancillaries which will facilitate the process. Everyone can benefit from medical qigong practice, regardless of their physical abilities, age, belief system, or life circumstances.