QiGong for Health

To understand what Qigong is it is necessary to understand the meanings of both Qi and Gong. In Qi society Qi is believed to be the energy or life force that permeates the universe. The Chinese were not alone in their belief in a natural force that fills the universe. Many ancient traditions are based on life-force energy. The same energy is called prana in India and Ki in Japan.

There are three types of Qi, Tian Qi, Di Qi, and Ren Qi. Tian Qi, or heavenly qi is the energy that heavenly bodies exert on the earth. This energy includes sunlight, moonlight and the gravitational pull of the moon on the earth that causes the tides. Di Qi or earth Qi is the energy forces that run through the earth. The earth absorbs Tian Qi and in affected by it. Di Qi includes lines and patterns of energy that run through the earth, the earth’s magnetic field, and the heat generated in the core of the earth.

Ancient Chinese believed that wind, rain, and even earth quakes were caused by Tian Qi and Di Qi energy imbalances. These natural phenomena are caused by the movement of energy as it seeks to reach equilibrium. You may have noticed how wind flows from a high pressure area of lower pressure. This is the movement of weather Qi. The patterns and cycles of nature were recorded in the Yi Jing (The Book of Changes), the first text on Qi, written about 2,400 BCE. The Yi Jing identifies Tian Qi, Di Qi and Ren Qi as the three components of the San Cai (the three natural powers).

Human Qi or Ren Qi is affected by Tian Qi and Di Qi. Since you are part of heaven and earth (Dao) you are affected by heaven and earth Qi. The Ren Qi that flows through your body determines your level of health and wellness. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) believes that optimal health can only be achieved when the flow of Ren Qi is balanced and the Qi flows freely. Qigong exercises to control the flow of Qi were perfected over thousands of years of practice and study in China.

Gong, a short form of Gongfu, literally means time and energy. Thus any activity that requires a lot of time and energy to perfect is a gongfu. Qigong is any training or practice dealing with Qi that takes time and energy to master.

To read more about QiGong for health please download my free, 20 page PDF, Qi Gong for Health, on the resource page of my web site at www.dr-dave-nd.com  I am currently editing a YouTube video that shows the Lift-Qi-Up-Pull-Qi-Down exercise explained in the PDF file.  I'll post a note here when it is published.