Hung Fut's Iron Wire Form is an example of a martial qigong. Dragon qigong the other style taught at Hung Fut Kung Fu Australia is from the medical set. All styles have three things in common: they all involve a posture, (whether moving or stationary), breathing techniques, and mental focus. Some practices increase the energy via breathing; others circulate it, use it to cleanse and heal the body, store it, or emit qi to help heal. However, the slow gentle movements of the forms can be easily adapted, even for the physically challenged and can be practiced by all mature age groups.
We do not know exactly how old the practise is, but the further we go back in Chinese history the larger qigong looms as a cultural force. Some turtle-shell artefacts conclusively show the art was important at least 7,000 years ago. Archaeological evidence suggests the practice may go back a million years. About 2,000 years ago, The Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine first systematically described the practice.
Medical qigong involves breathing exercises combined with meditation. The breathing exercises induce help induce the state of meditation, and vice versa. One is aware of what is going on, but not too aware, fully relaxed but not in a trance. In a qigong state, cares and troubles attempt to be washed away. Replacing them are positive images, increased confidence, and enhanced spirit. Eventually, there will be no distractions, depressing thoughts or worries. Through meditation, one gains feelings of contentment. This in turn stimulates circulation of blood and energy. If one is ill, over time the body’s functions are thus able to return to normal. If one is not ill, the existing sense of wellness and wellbeing increases. The gentle, rhythmic movements reduce stress, build stamina, and increase vitality. People of all ages can learn to practice qigong, and so develop and maintain internal vigour and good health.
Today, more than 70 million Chinese practice qigong every day. Some do this to treat and cure an existing illness. Others are trying to prevent the onset of disease. Still others want to feel and perform better, experience higher levels of energy and stamina, and slow down the ageing process. Qigong has been used to treat acute sport and posture injuries, chronic conditions or disabilities, and the prevention of health. Because the exercises attempt to promote a clear flow of blood and energy throughout the body, the therapy is beneficial for almost any aliment. Qigong is a proper therapeutic practice with which to address virtually any chronic health problem. This practice generally compliments and supplements orthodox medical interventions as it is performed at a slow and controlled rate under experienced supervision.
Now qigong is rapidly invading the Western world. In 1988, the Chinese held in Beijing the first World Conference for exchanging qigong medical research. Later world conferences happened in Tokyo, Berkeley, and New York. Today, psychological, physiological and medical researchers are studying qigong with rapidly increasing interest.
In Chinese medical theory, many diseases come from adverse environmental conditions such as excesses in heat, cold, wind, dryness and humidity; wrong diet; spoiled food; worms and microbes; poisoning and pollution; trauma and accidents. Internal conditions can arise from excess or deficient emotions of anger, joy, sympathy, grief or fear. These factors can cause one's energy to become excessive, deficient, or blocked, and thereby cause all manner of problems. When the energy and blood is free flowing the immune system is strong, one is emotionally centred within one's body, then most diseases should disappear.
The goal of practicing qigong is to make our energy and blood circulate strongly in our bodies. This helps us resist or overcome imbalances or blockages and their resulting disharmonies. That is also the goal of acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine.
To gain full benefits of qigong requires time, patience, commitment, determination and persistence. This art involves more than simple physical training. It requires educating your breathing and thought processes. This means increasing one's ability to sense one’s body, and to feel and imagine. As with any other aspect of human endeavour, some people will prove more adept at the art than others will and so can progress more quickly. However, anyone with enough motivation can learn adequate qigong skills to make a large impact upon their quality of life.
Because qigong moves the blood and increases circulation, women should not practice it during menstruation as it can increase menses. If you have internal bleeding, or bleeding after tooth extraction or trauma, avoid qigong exercises until the condition disappears. Avoid exercising if you feel dizzy. Qigong is not for severely disturbed psychiatric patients, pregnant women or people suffering from acute infectious diseases. Do not eat or drink within an hour and a half before a session. Especially avoid alcohol. When exercising, face either North or South, in line with the earth’s magnetic field or the orientation of the building. Exercise at the same time(s) of day and the same days through the week, except do more on holidays.
According to Chinese medicine theory, we are born with an original supply of energy. New power comes into the body partly from the air, and partly from what we eat. The lungs take in qi from the air. Qigong involves a conscious effort to better use the original energy and increase the supply from non-food sources. For novice qigong practitioners, it is exhilarating experience. There is a consequent temptation to slight one's food-based nutritional needs and a loss of weight is common. People with a tendency toward not eating may find the tendency growing during a period of intensive qigong practice. If so, they must stop the exercises until the condition recedes.
It is common and beneficial to feel the energy flowing internally throughout the body along the meridian lines. However, people often want to try as quickly as possible to emit external qi like legendary qigong masters through the eyes, fingertips or palms. This can be dangerous as you can loose original energy, which is in limited irreplaceable supply. One should not attempt it except after long years of practice. For the same reason, avoid sexual intercourse for at least one hour before and after a qigong session.
Dragon qigong involves mental and physical forms to help with flexibility, gently stretching the joints into their correct alignment ensuring the free flow of energy throughout the body. Each move is designed for the improvement of the organs function. The form exercises the qi and breathing, opening the sweet-glands just enough to increase the immunity and help prevent disease and promote longevity.
By practising Dragon Qigong the stillness of motion and the motion of stillness is experienced. To practise the spirit and mind must be together to lead the energy which leads the body. Mind reaches, energy arrives, moves are accomplished.
