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Qigong

To understand Qigong, it is important to know about the influence on its creation. As with all cultures and people of the world since our beginning, it was important for the ancestors of the Chinese people to comprehend how our body's work and what it needs to sustain that function. Besides the nourishment from food and drink, they realized the body needs oxygen (exogenous qi), and this oxygen must also be given support for its circulation. The quality of this state of health was called "Nei Gong" - nei meaning internal, and gong refers to the level of skill one has. Over time various Chinese created practices to stimulate the state of this neigong which eventually was titled Qigong.  Practitioners of Qigong, which means "energy skill", believed that the breathing in of fresh air and the exhalation of waste or carbon dioxide was of major importance to neigong. Therefore the physical movenments were coordinated with the breathing to enhance, not only replenishment of oxygen, but also to increase ones capacity for it. This was one of the earliest approaches to what we call in modern times "aerobics". The difference being, not an emphasis on "target heart rate" but on unaltered, free flowing energy within the various systems in the body, and the basic increase of oxygen to these systems e.g. muscles. One translation exerpt explains the basic Chinese medical concept of Qi of the body:
 

“The Qi, blood and fluids run throughout the body,especially through the meridians to maintain life activity according to  Chinese medicine. Qi has multiple physiological function such as promoting, warming, guarding, holding and transforming of Qi, all characterized as yang. Xue is basically the blood itself with the main function of nurturing and enriching the body. The fluids is a generalized concept of all the normal liquid inside the body including the inner body fluids of visceral organs and all normal secretions. Its main physiological function is to enrich the skin and hair, orifices such as eyes, nose and lips etc. It is closely related with the health, or weakness and diseases as it is the basic substance constituting the blood.”

 
Qigong routines are generally pre-choreographed and may be divided into sections. They are designed to require the practitioner to stretch, strengthen, balance, and coordinate their body, while maintaining a focused and calm mind. Routines from their earliest creation in B.C.E. times took on colorful and poetic titles, such as Five Animal Play and Eight Silk Brocade to modern day creation like Rooting Pine and Seven Star.
 
Chinese Wushu (martial arts) were also growing over the centuries, and were utilizing techniques that required the toughening of the body with very strong and fast movements that could take their toll on the body. As one grew older this level of action became increasingly more difficult to maintain. In time neigong/qigong concepts were incorporated into wushu, which led to the eventurl system call Taijiquan.
 
Because students may choose to learn and practice Qigong  or Taijiquan routines, many instructors will be trained in and offer both. In many instances people may need rehabilitative exercise to help in their recovery from knee and hip replacement for instance - the practice and benefits of Qigong is an excellent choice. Talking with your health professional or team is important. The instructors of the Bow Sim Mark Tai Chi Arts Association - PA can provide you with answers to your question about how Qigong may be of support in your wellness.
 
 Acupuncture Today
November, 2007, Vol. 08, Issue 11

 Qigong for the Classroom

Study finds six-month program improves students' health and overall behavior.

By Editorial Staff

One of the most important goals for teachers, parents and school administrators is creating a healthy emotional environment for students.

A study published in the June 2007 issue of the Journal of Chinese Medicine has found that including a particular type of qigong exercise program helped calm and energize the students, as well as improving health and reducing aggression.

Claudia Witt, MD, and colleagues from the Institute for Social Epidemiology, Epidemiology and Health Economics at the University of Berlin, conducted a study with 140 students among three elementary schools and one high school in order to determine the effect of a six-month program of xianggong ("fragrant qigong") movement instruction upon students' health and behavior. Teachers were first instructed for eight weeks in the movements and then spent either 15 or 25 minutes twice a week instructing students before or after regular lessons.

At the end of the six months, researchers conducted in-depth, semi-structured interviews with the teachers. The teachers were first asked, "Have you noticed any changes in your students during the qigong project?" They also were asked if they were interested in continuing the qigong project.

The teachers reported various positive effects, including that the students seemed much calmer, less agitated or aggressive, and more able to concentrate in class. Additionally, several teachers reported that students who had previously been absent due to frequent illnesses were in class more often.

In terms of integrating the qigong lessons into the regular school program, the biggest barrier appeared to be lack of time in the school day. One teacher observed: "The main problem was that I had to fit qigong into my lessons. And every day for 10 minutes – that's not easy. So if it were offered as an additional course, it would be easier and more relaxed." Another teacher mentioned problems with the school administration over the time needed for the program: "At the beginning we were expected to do 15 minutes, and then with level two it was supposed to be half an hour. This caused problems with the school directors. They said that 15 minutes was doable, but no more."

Despite these issues, the researchers remained confident that the pilot program served as a good test model for future projects. They concluded, "The present study demonstrated that qigong could be integrated into regular school classes, although dedicated course time would be much preferable. Advantages and limitations of the used setting may provide useful advice for future projects. Enhancements of individual vitality and community strength were observed, and also social, psychological, and in some cases, medical improvements. These are promising enough to warrant further research using improved methodology on feasibility and effects of school qigong programs."

 

BENEFITS OF QIGONG PRACTICE

 

Q

igong is a most valuable part of China's medical legacy. Originally used for keeping fit only, it was later adopted also as a curative means and has proved its worth in both respects through long years of practice.

 

The wonderful effects of qigong have yet to be fully explained in the light of modem science. Initial studies have amply shown how with correct ways of breathing, qigong helps to regulate the equilibrium in the higher nervous system and other systems of the human body. It promotes the normal functions of different organs and builds up inner strength, all conducive to a stronger resistance to diseases and to better health.

¨      So far as the nervous system is concerned, qigong helps to regulate the equilibrium between excitation and inhibition. For those who suffer from neurasthenia, practicing qigong will make them feel relaxed and gradually improve their sleep.

¨      With respect to the respiratory system, qigong can improve the function of the lungs and increase vital capacity. While the average person normally breathes 17 or 18 times per minute, one who persists in qigong practice can breathe fewer times a minute during exercise without feeling out of breath.

¨      Qigong aids blood circulation for the benefit of the heart. Different kinds of qigong methods can be used to adjust blood pressure. Supplemented by other therapeutic methods, they can cure diseases like high blood pressure and arteriosclerosis.

¨      Qigong exercises also produce obvious effects on the digestive system. Among other things, they promote digestion by stimulating the gastrointestinal movements and the secretion of digestive juice. That's why those who regularly practice qigong usually have a good appetite and seldom suffer from constipation.

¨      Qigong hastens metabolism in the human body, activates secretion in various glands, and helps to keep one's bodyweight at a normal level and stabilize one's frame of mind.

 

There are many kinds of qigong exercises. They may be classified according to body postures, such as lying, sitting and standing.

 

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