subject: Qigong For a Healthy and Long Life [print this page] Qigong For a Healthy and Long Life Qigong For a Healthy and Long Life
The word Qigong is made up of two Chinese words. Qi is pronounced chee and meanss the life force or vital-energy that flows through all things in the universe.The second word, gong, means accomplishment, or skill that is cultivated through steady practice. Together, Qigong means cultivating energy and is a system practiced for health maintenance, healing and increasing vitality. Altogether then for a happy, vital, healthy and a long life we only need to look at the history of Qigong. You may be a couch potato and you may even have a physical handicap and still get all the benefits from the techniques and meditations of Qigong. Actual strenuous exercises that athletes do for competition is not necessary for Qigong. In fact these exercises may be of no benefit at all and may actual be of harm to your body although Qigong may still benefit those athletes in their strenuous exercises. Qigong practices can be classified as martial, medical, or spiritual. All styles have three things in common in that they all involve a posture, breathing techniques, and mental focus. The slow gentle movements of most Qigong exercises can be easily adapted, even for the physically challenged and can be practiced by all age groups. The concept of qi as a form of pervasive energy is a fundamental pillar of Chinese philosophy. This energy is considered to exist in all things including the air, water, food, and sunlight. In the body, qi represents the unseen vital force that sustains life. Qigong practice involves the manipulation and balance of the qi within the practitioner's body and its interaction with the practitioner's surroundings. Qigong is not just a set of breathing exercises as it encompasses a large variety of both physical and mental training methods designed to help the body and the mind based on Chinese philosophy. A qigong system consists of one or more of the following types of training that includes dynamic, static, meditative and activities requiring external aids. Each type of training originated from different elements within Chinese society and emphasizes different aspects of qigong theory. Case studies show that Qigong can help illnesses such as hypertension, asthma, and insomnia. It can prevent arteriosclerosis and spinal deformity, shorten the recovery phase from long-term illness and results from elderly Qigong practitioners show strength and flexibility superior to non-practitioners. Qigong exercises appear to be safe for rheumatoid arthritis patients. Weight bearing exercises have the potential advantages of stimulating bone growth and strengthening connective tissue.
Qigong can prevent many ailments, including high blood pressure, tuberculosis, and diabetes. US scientists agree that Qigong can offer some important fitness benefits, particularly for older adults. Practicing Qigong regularly may delay the decline of cardio respiratory function in older individuals. Although not a panacea Qigong is your prescription for a healthy and long life.
