What is Qigong?
Literally QIGONG means „Energy-Work“; it is a tradition of practice which has its origin in China and dates back many thousands of years.
QIGONG comprises many different training methods and training systems which all have life energy QI in their center. QI is a kind of energy, which fills the cosmos and all living beings and enables life.
The essential aim of QIGONG, the traditional work with your own energy, is to build up and foster QI. This inner energy is developed and cultivated by regulating posture and movement, breathing, mind and spirit.
Because of the special characteristic of these exercises mental and physical tensions start to balance out, which clearly increases the autonomous process of perpetual energetic regeneration and reorganization. With regular practice you can furthermore learn to feel this life energy and develop an ability to lead it.
QIGONG is practiced in still postures (standing, sitting, lying) and in movement; and people of all ages and capabilities can practice it.
QIGONG is used in
- Everyday life and healing art
- Martial art and
EVERYDAY LIFE AND HEALING ART
The harmonizing effect of the exercises on the energy field of the body has an effect on all parts of the organism and the mind; the well being is increased, the energy household is optimized.
In Western view effects on the following organ systems could be verified:
- The central nervous system
(regulation in the sense of an improved coordination of different brain areas)
- Autonomic nervous system
(regulation of sympathetic and parasympathetic nerves – mostly decreasing the sympathetic function with corresponding effect on many other organ systems)
- The peripheral nervous system
(unlimited function because of optimum exit of spinal nerves from intermediate vertebra. This is guaranteed by a good posture of the spine)
- The spine and the joint system
(relative relief and mobilization of the joint structures and the discs by optimum posture, regulation of muscle tension and economical movements)
- The muscular system
(false tensions are made out and corrected by increased perceptive capability and a better feeling for your body)
- The cardiovascular system
(increase in uptake of oxygen, regulation of blood pressure)
- The immune system and the inner secretory glands
(increased stress tolerance, fast reduction of harmful distress)
- The digestive system
QIGONG mainly plays an important role in maintaining and strengthening health – such as in health prevention. However, QIGONG can also be used as additional therapeutic means for treating illnesses. In Austria this is only allowed in cooperation with the respective doctor in charge, though.
QIGONG is a central part of the internal martial arts. QIGONG enables a fighter to improve the senses and perceptive capabilities, to move economically and efficiently, to protect himself in an excellent way and to act spontaneously, powerfully and determined. (see Yiquan)
The aim is to realize DAO and/or to become one with DAO. DAO is to be seen as the all-embracing, everything penetrating principle of all being. DAO cannot be experienced by intellectual speculation but only by direct sight. What is vital is to gain access to the depths of our selves, in profound silence, here and now, to be in contact with ourselves. (see Yiquan / Meditation)
“Heart and mind need to flow together in order to produce strength and power.
However, heart and mind are not the original source of the self.
Only when heart and mind come to rest,
rises what controls it all,
the source of energy.”
Dschuang Dse, daoistischer Weiser