There are many theories and ideas about what qigong (sometimes written as Qi Gong, Chi Gung or Chi Kung) is and how it works (see also the interview with Master Zhu Guang in the Articles section). There are probably many hundreds of different types of qigong, some practiced for healing, some for fitness and general well-being, some for conditioning the body for martial arts (nei gong). On this page it is our intention to share with you various perspectives on this ancient art, including some of our own thoughts and links to other websites.
Qigong: Sense, Common Sense and Nonsense
by g
This account may well be slightly controversial, not through any deliberate intent but simply because the whole field of Qigong is itself so fraught with controversy that any attempt to write a balanced account, reflecting the diverse range of viewpoints on the subject, is bound to ruffle a few feathers in one camp or another.
As a scientist, I will approach the subject with, I hope, a fair degree of objectivity, while at the same time giving due consideration to aspects which may, as yet, lack a solid experimental basis.
Although there is considerable overlap between the different aspects of Qigong, I have broadly divided the field into four areas: Physical, Mental, Martial and Spiritual. (Each of these topics will have its own web page linked to this one.)
In my experience, people seeking to study and practice Qigong generally approach it through one or more of these four routes:
1. To improve their physical health
2. To reduce stress and regain or maintain their emotional and mental well-being.
3. To improve their skills in martial arts
4. To find meaning and purpose in their lives
In each section, I will point out what I personally percieve to be the potential positive benefits of Qigong, though I have no vested interest in over-glorifying it or making wild claims about its efficacy and therefore, if appropriate, I will also mention any possibly dodgy stuff that I would personally recommend that you avoid, which in turn will probably inspire others to recommend that you avoid me!
Whatever prompted you to take an interest in Qigong, it may well be that you find what you are looking for and, with an eyes-open approach, you should be able to enjoy a fascinating journey into this ancient art.
General Information
Qigong systems have probably been around for thousands of years, as evidenced by the recent discovery (during the seventies) of drawings depicting the Five Animal Frolics Qigong in a Chinese tomb believed to be over two thousand years old.
Qigong can be translated as "breath work" or "energy work" since it involves the conscious manipulation of the "life force" or "cosmic breath" (Qi, or Chi - or Ki in Japanese) which, according to Traditional Chinese Medicine, not only animates the body of every living creature but also flows through the body via certain pathways or "meridians".
There are various different types of Qigong, including:
* Stationary postures or Zhang Zhong (Pronounced Jang Jong)
* Upper body routines or sets performed while standing in one place. Eg. the
and the increasingly-popular Dragon and Tiger Qigong.
* Sequences which involve moving around, such as Tai Chi and the Dayan Wild
Goose Qigong.
* Nei Gong or "Iron Shirt" techniques used in martial arts training.
* Sensing and transmission of chi to others in order to restore balance and bring
about healing.
The rest of this article is now divided into sections which appear on separate web pages so that you can go straight to the aspects that interest you.
They include:
Which discusses how Qigong relates to both physical and mental health and well-being and also has a section on the psychology of healing.
Chi - Does Chi exist and, if so, what is it?
You can also find some very interesting food for thought on the Qigong pages of Wikipedia.
We may add more to this section in the fullness of time but for now, that's about all we want to say. Thanks to those of you who have been so patient during its construction.