QIGONG

INTRODUCTION

Qigong (Chi Kung) is an ancient practice aimed at cultivating and regulating Qi in the body by combining posture, breathing, movement, and meditation. Etymologically, the word Qigong (气功, qìgōng) is composed of two Chinese characters, where “Qi” refers to vital energy or universal life force, and “Gong” means work, effort, skill, or cultivation. In traditional Chinese philosophy and medicine, Qi is considered the energy that flows through the meridians and sustains life, and Gong refers to the systematic and diligent effort or practice required to develop a skill or master an art. Practiced for thousands of years, Qigong is used to promote both physical and mental health, as well as spiritual development and longevity.

HISTORICAL EVOLUTION

Qigong has evolved over more than 4,000 years, with its roots deeply connected to Taoism, Buddhism, and Confucianism. This ancient practice has become a key pillar of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Throughout its evolution, Qigong has diversified into different forms and styles, as we will observe below:

  • Antiquity (Prehistory to the Zhou Dynasty):

Shamanic rituals might represent the earliest forms of Qigong, performed to heal diseases, promote fertility, and ensure good harvests.

  • Zhou Dynasty (1046-256 BCE):

Philosophical schools of Confucianism and Taoism deeply influenced Qigong.

  • Han Dynasty (206 BCE – 220 CE):

Development of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and the incorporation and formalization of many practices related to Qigong.

  • Jin Dynasty (265-420 CE):

The term “Qigong” began to appear in texts such as the “Baopuzi,” written by the alchemist and scholar Ge Hong, who describes breathing and meditation practices to prolong life.

  • Tang and Song Dynasties (618-1279 CE):

Popularization of Qigong, integration with martial arts, and the emergence of different schools and styles.

  • Ming and Qing Dynasties (1368-1912 CE):

Popularization of practices focused on internal alchemy, especially in Taoism.

  • 20th Century and Contemporary Era:

Qigong was promoted as a public health practice, gaining popularity in the West as an alternative and complementary health practice.


TYPES OF QIGONG

There is a wide variety of Qigong forms and styles, which can be broadly classified into four main categories:

  • Medical Qigong:

Focus on healing and disease prevention.

  • Martial Qigong:

Focus on strengthening the body and internal power.

  • Spiritual Qigong:

Focus on balance and enlightenment through meditation and breathing techniques.

  • Internal Alchemy Qigong:

Focus on refining Qi and achieving soul immortality.

BENEFITS OF QIGONG

Qigong is widely recognized for its benefits to physical, mental, and spiritual health:

  • Improves blood circulation, strengthens the immune system, increases flexibility, and promotes balance and coordination.
  • Reduces stress, anxiety, and depression. Improves sleep and promotes mental clarity and overall well-being.
  • Promotes spiritual growth, inner peace, and a deeper understanding of oneself and the universe.

INTERNAL ALCHEMY AND ENERGY TRANSMUTATION

In the context of Qigong, internal alchemy refers to the process of refining and transforming raw Qi into a purer and more potent form of energy. This is done through meditative and breathing practices involving:
  • Transformation of Jing into Qi:

Jing (精), the vital essence, is transformed into Qi through specific practices, increasing the energy available to the body and mind.

  • Transformation of Qi into Shen:

The refined Qi is then transformed into Shen (神), the spiritual energy or consciousness, promoting spiritual development and mental elevation.

  • Unification with the Tao:

Through these practices, the practitioner seeks to unify with the Tao (道), the universal principle and source of all life, achieving spiritual immortality.

COMMON QIGONG TECHNIQUES

As mentioned earlier, Qigong techniques are integrative practices that combine posture, controlled breathing, gentle movements, and meditation.
  • Qigong Movements:

Include static postures and dynamic movements that help unblock and balance Qi. Examples include “Baduanjin” (八段锦), or “Eight Pieces of Brocade,” and “Zhan Zhuang” (站桩), or “Standing Posture.”

  • Qigong Breathing:

Deep and controlled breathing techniques, such as “Abdominal Breathing” and “Lotus Flower Breathing,” are fundamental to Qigong practice, helping to move and transform Qi.

  • Meditation and Visualization:

Guided meditation and visualization are used to focus the mind, refine Qi, and promote internal healing. Techniques such as the “Small Heavenly Circulation” (小周天) involve the circulation of Qi through the major meridians of the body.

  • Healing Sound (六字诀, Liù Zì Jué):

A set of six specific sounds that, when chanted, promote healing and balance of internal organs.

Qigong stands out for its ability to transcend cultural and temporal limitations, reaffirming its value in the field of traditional and complementary medicine for promoting overall health, significantly influencing the lives of millions of individuals around the world. The incorporation of Qigong into daily life not only promotes longevity and vitality but also provides inner balance and a deep connection with the universe, demonstrating its importance as a holistic approach and as a tool for spiritual evolution.

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