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Qigong (pronounced Chee Gong) is a very ancient form of exercise used to promote health and treat disease. The history of qigong can be dated back as far as four thousand years. It is an ancient science combining the knowledge of traditional Chinese medicine and Chinese philosophy. To the Chinese, qigong is considered a national treasure. It is looked upon as a tool to combat various diseases and as a way to develop a healthier body.
Qigong is easy to learn and does not take much time or space to perform. Qigong improves health as well as recovery from illness such as high blood pressure, heart disease, cancer, nervous disorders, ulcers, and other chronic ailments. Practice will develop a smooth, strong flow of blood and energy throughout the body.
The following is an article I wrote about Xianggong Qigong
directly after returning from China. Much of the information can
be applied to other forms of qigong.
Chinese Xianggong Qigong
HISTORY
Traditional Chinese Xiang (Fragrance) Gong Qi Gong originated from the Mi Zong Chan Sect of Buddhism. Following the arrival of Buddhism in China, various Buddhist Qi Gong styles began to develop and spread throughout China. Xiang Gong is considered a high level style of Buddhist cultivation and was created to promote health and longevity, prevent diseases, improve mental functions, and develop internal healing energy. Xiang Gong Qi Gong was created more than 2000 years ago by a Buddhist monk by the name of Lian Hua.
During the Tang Dynasty, Abbot Xuan Zang inherited the style. Later Monk Ji Gong (Li Xiu Yuan) was taught the style during the Song Dynasty. Afterwards, the style was passed on from generation to generation. The special characteristic of inheriting this Qi Gong style was that only one person per generation can be taught the style. The style was finally brought to the public eye in 1988 by Master Tian Rui Sheng of the Bai Ma (White Horse) Temple near the City of Luo Yang located He Nan Province, China. When Master Tian was a young boy he contracted a rare skin disease which was life-threatening. By chance, he met a Buddhist monk by the name of Abbot Shi Wu Kong from the Bai Ma Temple who was the inheritor of Xiang Gong Qi Gong. Abbot Shi Wu Kong was able to cure the boy of the disease by applying Xiang Gong healing techniques. The abbot took the boy as his disciple and taught him the entire style of Xiang Gong Qi Gong. Master Tian also became a disciple of Abbot Zheng Yan and Abbot Hai Fa of the White Horse Temple to study Buddhism. Because of the great benefits Master Tian received from the practice, he was finally given permission to teach the method to the public. He started out teaching only a few people, but as time went on more and more people have been attracted to this healing art. At present, there are more than 100,000 people practicing Xiang Gong Qi Gong in China and abroad. In parks throughout China, there are groups of hundreds of people practicing this Qi Gong style every morning.
DESCRIPTION
Xiang Gong is a style of Qi Gong which consists of three progressive levels that will increase the quality of one's internal energy (Qi). The main characteristic of this style, unlike other popular Qi Gong methods, is to eliminate intention or "Yi" during practice. By removing one's Yi from the exercise, Qi will be generated much more readily. The idea of releasing the Yi is based upon basic Buddhism. During the entire Qi Gong set, no thought goes into moving and/or leading the internal Qi or expelling illness from the body. By performing the exercises in the proper manner and following the guidelines set in the style, the benefits will come naturally. Many of the guidelines found in this style conform to various other styles. Some of these guidelines such as not eating or drinking twenty minutes before and after practice, avoiding direct wind or cold during practice, not performing the exercise outside in the fog or after the sun sets, and avoiding extremes in emotions can also be incorporated into other styles of Qi Gong or Taijiquan.
The elementary level is the foundation of the style and consists of 15 exercises followed by self-massage techniques to clear and open the energy pathways throughout the body. The exercise takes only 12 to 15 minutes to complete and should be performed twice daily. This level can be practiced while standing, sitting, or lying down. Therefore, it is very good for people of all ages and health conditions. Most people who have practiced for only several days begin to feel various sensations of internal Qi such as swelling, tingling, and/or slight numbing of the hands and feet; sensations of warm currents of energy can also be felt. Each exercise is designed to improve the function of the internal organs and associated meridian channels such as the lungs, liver, and stomach.
The majority of the exercises consist of movements from side to side using various hand postures at middle Dantian height. The exercise called "Golden Dragon Wags Tail" is designed to improve the oxygen compacitly of the lungs and to strengthen the muscles and bones of the rib cage. In this exercise the hands are pressed together in front of the chest as the arms move from left to right for thirty six repetitions. "Da Mo Rides the Waves" another exercise in the elementary level, massages both the liver, lungs, and spleen by stretching the sides of the body in a swinging motion of the elbows. Again, this movement is performed for a total of thirty six repetitions.
The main objective of the elementary level is to remove illness from the body, to open the microcosmic orbit, and to improve one's health and mental functions. The elementary level prepares the body for the intermediate level which will aid in the generation of internal healing energy while strengthening the body inside and out. This internal healing energy not only can strengthen one's own body, but can also aid in the healing of others with proper training.
When performing the elementary level, sensations such as coolness, heat, numbness, swelling, tingling, lightness, heaviness, pain, and others are the effects of Qi circulation and is considered a natural phenomena resulting from an increase flow of Qi within the body. During practice, the experience of beltching, yawning, tears, sweating, etc. is a normal condition. The practice of Qi Gong will help to expel sickness from the body whereby certain physiological sensations, such as described above, will be experienced. Zhen Qi or true internal energy is circulating throughout the body removing sickness; and because of this, various sensations can be felt. The elementary level is very beneficial toward curing illness within the body. If the fingers and feet become cold during practice, this means illness is being expelled . Sickness is cold in nature and is expelled from the body through the fingers and soles of the feet.
The intermediate level also consists of 15 exercises which are performed while standing. The entire exercise takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes to complete. The elementary level should be practiced at least 100 days or up to six months before advancing to the intermediate level. The length of time depends on the condition of one's body. Those with illness should practice for a longer duration in order to remove the sickness from the body before beginning the second level. The intermediate level combines upper and lower body movements to enhance the generation of internal energy throughout the body. The hand postures are focused near the lower Dantian. The lower body movements which are conducted by the knees and hips help to open the meridians in the legs and feet, gently massage the joints in the lower extremities, stimulate the lymphatic system, and exercise the internal organs and reproductive organs which aid in the production of the vital essence (Jing). Exercises such as "Arhat Subdues Tiger" and "Arhat Making Salutations" use a gentle tapping motion to the lower Dantian region to activate the internal energy flow and to also trap the energy into this region.
Both the elementary and intermediate levels are based on movements which massage the meridians and internal organs. The advanced level also consists of various hand postures which enable the practitioner to open the upper Dantian. In this level, the Yi is brought into play; however, little is known of the actual practice because of the power it can generate. The advanced level is only taught to indoor disciples of Master Tian; therefore, only a few people in the world know the advanced level. According to Master Tian, the elementary level can be practiced one's entire life without continuing on to the intermediate level. The elementary level is sufficient to heal the body and to increase one's internal energy to lead a long and healthy life.