QIGONG

Qigong

Qigong

Introduction

"Chinese medicine," often called "Oriental medicine" or "traditional Chinese medicine (TCM)," encompasses a vast array of folk medical practices based on mysticism. It holds that the body's vital energy (chi or qi) circulates through channels, called meridians, that have branches connected to bodily organs and functions. Illness is attributed to imbalance or interruption of chi.. Ancient practices such as acupuncture, Qigong, and the use of various herbs are claimed to restore balance.

Discussion

Qigong is also claimed to influence the flow of "vital energy." Qigong (also spelled Ch'i Kung) is a powerful system of healing and energy medicine from China. It is the art and science of using breathing techniques, gentle movement, and meditation to cleanse, strengthen, and circulate the life energy (qi) (Frantzis 1995 pp.112-119). Qigong practice leads to better health and vitality and a tranquil state of mind. In the past, qigong was also called nei gong (inner work) and dao yin (guiding energy). Internal Qigong involves deep breathing, concentration, and relaxation techniques used by individuals for themselves. External Qigong is performed by "Qigong masters" who claim to cure a wide variety of diseases with energy released from their fingertips. However, scientific investigators of Qigong masters in China have found no evidence of paranormal powers and some evidence of deception. They found, for example, that a patient lying on a table about eight feet from a Qigong master moved rhythmically or thrashed about as the master moved his hands. But when she was placed so that she could no longer see him, her movements were unrelated to his. Falun gong, which China banned several years ago, is a Qigong varient claimed to be "a powerful mechanism for healing, stress relief and health improvements." (Chuen 1991 pp.89-101)

Qigong is being used as part of the Traditional Chinese Medication (TCM) in preventive and therapeutic health care. Qi is seen as the vital energy in one's body to maintain life. Qigong will train one to work on physical to control and exercise this energy for own good or if becomes an expert, one can even use 'qi' for treatment(Conner 1994 pp.12-19). Qi comes into and goes out a process through the interplay of the Five Elements. The universe maintains its balance also through the yin and yang balance of qi. Since human body is a microcosm of the universe, it achieves the mental and physical harmony in the same way. ...