What is Qigong?

Qigong is an ancient Chinese health care system that integrates physical postures, breathing techniques and focused intention. The word Qigong (Chi Kung) is made up of two Chinese words. Qi is pronounced chee and is usually translated to mean the life force or vital-energy that flows through all things in the universe.

The second word Gong, pronounced gung means accomplishment, or skill that is cultivated through steady practice. Together, qigong (Chi Kung) means cultivating energy. It is a system practiced for health maintenance, healing and increasing vitality.

Like any other system of health care, Qigong is not a panacea, but it is certainly a highly effective health care practice. Many health care professionals recommend Qigong as an important form of Alternative-Complementary medicine.

Who Can Benefit?

Qigong’s great appeal is that anyone can benefit from practicing it, regardless of their level of physical fitness, whether they are young or old, what belief system they hold, their level of income, or life circumstances.

Anyone can enrich their lives by adding Qigong to their daily routine: children learning to channel their energy and develop increased concentration; office workers learning Qigong to reduce stress; seniors participating in gentle movements to enhance balance, and their quality of life; caregivers embracing a practice to develop their ability to help others; prisons instituting Qigong programs to restore balance in inmates lives; midwives using Qigong techniques to ease childbirth.

When an individual or group assumes responsibility and takes action for their health and healing, we all benefit.