Chi Gung,
chi-gung, qigong, qi gung, are just a few of the spellings I have seen for this
art. Chi gung usually refers to energy building, repairing, or moving sets.
These
sets can be used for meditation, self healing, healing others, longevity, or
practical health maintenance. It is said that Qigong forms one of the four
pillars of Chinese Medicine, along with acupuncture, massage, and herbal
medicine.
Qigong
uses body mechanics with mind set to improve circulation of blood and oxygen,
it also increases the energy in the nervous system (which in turn increases
body awareness), increases suppleness of tissue, increases joint and muscle
strength, and brings harmony to the operations of the organs.
The
history of Chinese Qigong can be traced to the "Yi Jing" (Book of
Changes) written sometime around eight thousand years ago. Many styles of
Qigong were created based on the theories and principles of Buddhist and Daoist
Qigong. Some interesting websites on
qigong history include: History of Qigong,
http://www.innerself.com/Fitness/qigong_history.htm,
Feel The Qi -
History of Qi (Chi) Cultivation, and Acupuncture.Com - Library
.
Chi Gung
masters usually demonstrate their skills, with carnival type demonstrations,
such as, brick breaking, bending steel rods with their necks, taking blows to
the abdomen, sticking people to the ground or each other, and producing a great
amount of heat. Though these skills are remarkable unto themselves I do not
believe these acts contribute to the validity of the art and have helped to
hinder it by shrouding it with such demonstrations.
Classifying
what is chi gung and what is longevity, and what is showmanship, is a difficult
task, so I have listed the systems I am aware of that are meant for energy
building, rebuilding, and self healing, not those designed for exercise and or
longevity.
Some of these systems include:
6 Sounds
Soaring Crane
8 Pieces of Silk
8 Brocades
8 Best Movements for Health
Temple Style
LUOHAN QIGONG