What is Chi Kung?
Qi (Chi) = ENERGY
Gong (Kung) = SKILL
Qi Gong / Chi Kung = the skill of attracting vital energy
A component of traditional Chinese medicine that combines movement, meditation, and regulation of breathing to enhance the flow of qi (an ancient term given to what is believed to be vital energy) in the body, improve blood circulation, and enhance immune function.
Where it came from
This treatment method dates back to over 4,000 years, and is the art of developing and utilizing universal energy that is necessary for good health, vitality, mind expansion and spiritual development. It is the sacred art of self-healing through the practice and experience of working and being the life force energy. There are many varieties and different forms of this powerful form of self-healing, and raising of consciousness, which are an integral part of Chinese medicine, even to this day.
Being such an ancient practice, it was developed in the monasteries, and was a major contributor to a number of the martial arts of today. It is a means by which one can balance the Qi, or Chi, or Life Force Energy, within the body, mind and spirit, to attain and maintain good health, calmness, and raise consciousness. It can be seen as meditation in motion, using postures, physical movements, and breathing, all in a very gentle fashion. When the Qi is developed remarkable things happen. You only have to read about the Qi Gong Masters, of whom such a guiding light, is Yan Xin, and many others. Their abilities and healing attributes are phenomenal.
Combining meditation with exercise, this ancient art is designed to promote health in mind, body, and ultimately spirit. It works along similar lines to acupuncture, buying into the belief that energy runs through the body in certain ways, but Chi Kung uses exercise instead of needles to correct that flow. Chi Kung has been around for centuries, originating in China around the 2nd Century BC, and for many people it's close to a religion.
Like T'ai Chi, there are countless different variations, but most involve breathing techniques, moving exercises, still postures and mental training. In China, Chi Kung workouts are often prescribed by GPs in the same way as antibiotics in the West, while much of the workforce kick off their morning with a collective session.
Who should do Chi Kung?
Chi Kung improves all-round health, so it will benefit just about anyone. However, if you're keen on a martial art that focuses on relaxation, and correcting dodgy posture, this is for you. It also improves balance and provides a natural source of comfort for people with falling over problems. Experts recommend practising for 20-40 minutes each day to really feel the effects.
Source: www.shaolin.org