Qigong is an ancient Chinese practice. In translation, “Qi” means energy. The energy referred to here is not a metaphysical energy. It refers instead to any form of energy from the physical energy of one billiard ball hitting another to electrical energy to the life force that flows through the body and keeps it alive. All these are forms of Qi or energy. “Gong” means work or cultivation. So, on the whole, Qigong can be translated ‘energy work’ or ‘energy cultivation.’

In the beginning, Qigong is often taught using a series of moves. For example, sometimes it is taught as either a part of Tai Chi or as an extension of it. Because beginning Tai Chi and Qigong involve learning moves, people sometimes think that the way to develop their Qigong practice is to learn yet more moves. In reality, if the moves you are using involve a wide range of movement and if they also circulate energy through the meridians of the body, then learning more moves will not give much more depth to your practice. Significant Qigong health benefits can actually be gained from a very small number of moves. You can develop your Qigong skill with a set as small as 24, 13, or even 8 moves. Focusing your efforts exclusively on learning moves can actually be a distraction from real Qigong growth.

Health benefits can be derived from Qigong by doing the same moves with a different feel. For example, if you need to develop bone density, do your set in a way that is very rooted in the ground. Let your body feel very heavy and relaxed. In contrast, if what you need is relief from a headache, you will want to do your moves very lightly and softly. For help with arthritis, you will need to do your set with an electrical energy expression.

In general, to develop your practice, you will want to begin by getting Qi flow through your entire body. Once you have gotten flow, then begin to build up the amount of Qi in your body. Next, you will want to develop the ability to move Qi using mind intention. This will enable you to generate different expressions of energy in your body such as the electrical expression that can help with arthritis. Once you can do this, continue to build and store Qi in your entire body and learn to activate it and move it more and more quickly. (By the way, after you have been practicing working with Qi, remember to put it back into the energy storage areas of the body such as the Dan Tiens.)

As you develop your practice, specific moves will become less and less necessary. You can learn to do energy work while you are walking. After awhile, you can learn to practice no matter what you are doing. After awhile, it can actually become a habit so that you find yourself doing Qigong work almost all the time without even thinking about it. This is one of the secrets of good health.

Author Bio: Sigung Richard Clear has over 30 years of continuous study in Tai Chi and Qigong both in the U.S. and China. Read more on his website at www.clearstaichi.com.

Category: Wellness, Fitness and Diet
Keywords: Qigong, Qi Gong, Chi Gong, Chi Gung