What Is Qigong

Qigong is both an exercise and an ancient form of Traditional Chinese Medicine

(TCM). How ancient is it? Some documents suggest that it may have originated

several thousand years ago. It is hard to pinpoint the exact time, but we do
know that by the 2nd century B.C., Qigong was already a popular form of
therapy among the elite.

1n 1973, Chinese archaelogists excavated the tomb of an aristocratic family

of the Western Han Dynasty, (206 B.C. to 24 A.D.). Among other artifacts,

they found a painting illustrating what we now call Qigong movements.

The painting appears to illustrate a medical treatise, with which it was found,

and offers instructions for deep breathing exercises that are combined with

specific postures. Over two millennia later, today Qigong not only continues to

thrive in China, but it is also spreading all over the world.

Qi is the driving force behind every physical action. For example, according to
TCM theory, the Qi of the heart is the driving force of the heart's beating. Only
when the Qi of the heart is sufficient, can the heart keep normal strength, rate
and rhythm. Because of it being the basis for life, Qi was compared to the roots
of a tree. When the root system is healthy and strong, the tree will have plentiful,
green and shiny leaves. When the root system is weak or unhealthy, the tree's
leaves will be few, withered and dry. Likewise, when a person's Qi is healthy and
strong, he or she will be vibrant and energetic; but if the Qi is obstructed or weak,
the person will be tired or subject to illness.

The condition of one's Qi can be adjusted through the practice of Qigong so

that an ill person can become healthy again, or at least more healthy. Similarly

a healthy person can better maintain or heighten his or her health. Acupuncture
works by inserting needles at specific points on the meridians to adjust and
enhance the flow of Qi. Qigong offers another way of strengthening the body's

Qi through specific body movements, coordinated deep breathing, and mental
imagery. Qigong is the art and science of how to nourish and protect one's Qi

so as to keep it strong and healthy. Living in today's increasingly stressful world,
when one's Qi is so often being negatively compromised, learning this ancient

method of nourishing and protecting one's Qi becomes extremely beneficial.