Health Awareness and Disease Prevention
Qi Gong - An Exercise For Health
Conventional exercise is commonly defined as a repeated
routine used to develop or maintain physical fitness and
often is associated with muscle strengthening and cardiovascular
training. Unconventional forms of exercise like Qi Gong
(pronounced 'chee kung') as well as Yoga and Taijiquan,
are gaining popularity with a very different approach to
promoting health. Qi Gong originated in China with a rich
history dating back several thousand years. Qi Gong is a
rejuvenating exercise that combines mental focus, breathing
techniques, and body movement. Qi is an eastern concept
that is recognized in the west as bioelectricity or energy.
One goal in Qi Gong is to increase the quantity and quality
of Qi circulating in the body so that it promotes balance
and flows smoothly without obstruction. When there is pain
or disorder there is obstruction to circulation. This obstruction
degrades the efficiency and functionality of the organ systems
within the body.
Qi is a fundamental principle recognized in medical therapies
such as acupuncture, acupressure, herbal medicine, Tuina
massage and the secretive, highly skilled world of martial
arts. Many styles of martial arts developed their own Qi
Gong forms to promote health. In Acupuncture, the shallow
insertion of fine, sterile needles into specific points
(acupoints) of the body are used to regulate the flow of
Qi. Scientific studies have measured higher levels of conductivity
corresponding to these specific acupoints. Various forms
of Qi Gong such as still meditation or slow, mindful movement
are used to elevate energy levels in particular regions
of the body and then redirect this energy to other deficient
body regions to promote balance.
As a Qi Gong instructor I focus on promoting a higher level
of self-awareness with three methods of exercise - relaxing,
stretching, and strengthening. Each method contains different
exercises for different health needs. It's important to
understand that Qi flows in a cyclical pattern that is ascending,
descending, contracting and expanding in a balanced fashion.
Identifying irregularities will help determine which method
to use to restore balance. For example, during our sleep
cycle the body cools down and Qi contracts inward towards
the center of the body. Upon awaking our activity increases
and the body begins to warm up as Qi expands outward towards
the exterior of the body. If we experience irregularities
in our sleep cycle such as insomnia (inability to sleep)
in the evening or somnolence (sleepiness) in the morning
we can perform specific methods of exercise to balance the
cycle. Methods of relaxation can promote an inward movement
of Qi, settle the mind and relax the body in preparation
for sleep. Upon rising in the morning, stretching and strengthening
exercises will move Qi outward awakening the senses and
stimulating the extremities with a vigorous flow of Qi and
blood. Knowing how and when to use these simple methods
of exercise is the key to good Qi Gong training.
Considering today's high cost of health care, exercise
along with diet and rest are three free therapies that can
preventatively be used to guard our health.
Click here for
more information on Qi Gong.
New
Study shows Chi Kung improves students' health and overall
behavior
Christopher Carlow, D. Ac.
Date: 4/7/06
