Qigong

Qigong

Qigong – What Is It?

Qigong is self-healing, self-development system that has developed as an independent part of traditional Chinese medicine. The universe is filled with natural force, the art of absorbing, storing, transforming and transmitting energy. Its essential feature is that it adapts to the laws and order of nature. In short, we can say that chi kung is any activity that affects the flow of energy. The word qi or chi means energy, and the word gong or kung means any activity or practice that requires a lot of time and energy.

 

Purpose of Qigong

– Maintaining health

– Healing

– Prolonging life

– Martial arts

– Enlightenment for the Buddhist and eternal life for the Taoist practitioner, ultimately liberation from the cycle of constant rebirth.

 

Indications

Qigong may be particularly indicated in cases of:

 – high blood pressure

– coronary heart disease

– respiratory diseases

– gastric and duodenal ulcers, gastric reflux, loss of appetite, constipation

– exhaustion, depression

– neurasthenia

 

Contraindications

– febrile conditions

– acute inflammation

– postoperative conditions

– bone fractures

– psychosis

– pregnancy

 

Different Qigong Methods

Da-Mo – History of Da-Mo

Da Mo – also known as Bodhidharma – lived as the prince of Sardilis in India. He was probably born in 483 AD and was invited as a Buddhist monk to the court of the Chinese emperor, Liang Wu, around 526-527 AD. The emperor himself did not like the Buddhist teachings he taught, and as a result he lived his life in a monastery until his death. The monks living in the monastery did not place enough emphasis on developing physical fitness – due to the amount of meditation – and this condition completely depressed Da Mo. According to legend, he meditated in complete solitude against a wall for nine years. As a result, he wrote the work Yi Gin Ching (Book of Muscle Development). The effect of the twelve exercises did not go unnoticed. According to records, a properly conditioned physique provided the monks with more effective meditation.

 

 

Eight Brocade Scrolls (both seated and standing exercises)

The Eight Brocade Scrolls were compiled by Marshal Yue Fei in the 1100s. His goal was to improve the health of his soldiers. Originally, there were twelve brocade scrolls, but over time, the number was reduced to eight.

 

 

Wai Dan Qigong

Wai Dan is part of Qigong, a peaceful Taoist Kungfu that influences the energy system. This Chinese practice is 4000 years old. It is a Taoist energy-generating system consisting of a consciously created movement sequence that was kept secret until 1976. It is customary to call it the “Hundred Days Kung-Fu”. Positive changes appear after just 100 days of practice. Later, after 300 days, we can experience positive changes in our physical and mental well-being.

Its goal: a long, healthy and joyful life.

Application area, medicinal effects:

  • Especially recommended for middle-aged people
  • Joint pain,
  • Sexual problems,
  • Stress, nervousness,
  • High blood pressure
  • Digestive system complaints
  • Circulatory problems
  • Allergy
  • Regular practice helps effectively in case of fatigue.

Contraindications for Wei Dan:

  • during menstruation and pregnancy
  • rheumatism or joint inflammation
  • People with chronic conditions (e.g. high blood pressure, diabetes, heart problems, etc.) should consult their doctor before starting to exercise!

 

 

Wu Qing Xi

Taoist masters developed the practice of the five animals through long and patient practice. They assumed that imitating the movements of animals could heal. The movements of each animal stimulate the organs associated with the five elements and influence their function. The exercises developed in this way are called the practice of the five animals (also called: Five Animal Kung Fu). These exercises are based on the Sheng cycle.

 

The purpose of the Wu Qing Xi exercises is:

  • restoring the energetic balance of the organs
  • eliminating tension, stress, anxiety, and depression

 

 

Tai Chi Chuan (Taijiquan; Small Circle sequence):

It originated in China around the 15-16th century, with its roots in chi kung. Tai chi is a martial art and sealing system. In its combat application, it uses soft internal energy as opposed to muscular force.

Principles:

  1. head is relaxed and lively
  2. chest is slightly sunken, back is straight
  3. loose sacrum
  4. lowered shoulders and hanging elbows
  5. distribution of load and relaxation
  6. attention instead of physical force
  7. harmony of the upper and lower parts
  8. continuity
  9. harmonious connection of the inner and outer
  10. be calm in movement

Breathing and unity of movement are important. Light, slender breathing relaxes the muscles.

Characteristics of exercises (basic principles of exercise):

  • Soft, slow continuous movements
  • Movements are orderly, circular
  • Natural movements
  • Distribution of strength and weakness
  • Waist is firm
  • Bar lowered, stable stance, balance
  • Spine is vertical
  • Moving a large weight with little force
  • Rotating movement is initiated by the hips
  • Slow, deep breath
  • Movement of the upper limb is followed by movement of the lower limb

Indications for Thai Chi Chuan:

  • high blood pressure
  • coronary heart disease
  • respiratory diseases
  • gastric and duodenal ulcers, gastric depression, loss of appetite, constipation
  • exhaustion, depression
  • neurasthenia

Contraindications for Thai Chi Chuan:

  • fever
  • acute inflammation
  • postoperative conditions
  • bone fractures
  • psychosis
  • pregnancy