| Qigong ('chee-kung') is slowly but steadily taking the | | | | tap into his or her 'energy fields' to increase the body's |
| health and fitness world by storm, one gentle graceful | | | | wellness and ability to heal. It includes exercises, |
| move at a time. Just like its eastern practice | | | | meditation, acupuncture and massage. , Sports Qigong |
| counterpart, yoga, Qigong encourages mental focus | | | | (Wu Gong) or martial arts Qigong includes kungfu and |
| and self-awareness. In fact, it is yoga that has paved | | | | taijiquan ("tai-chi-chuan'). It cultivates the body's strength, |
| the way for mind-body exercises and eastern | | | | stamina, speed, balance, flexibility, and injury resistance. |
| practices like Qigong to be embraced in the western | | | | Finally Spiritual Qigong (Fo Gong, Tao Gong), evolving |
| world. While some forms of yoga can be strenuous, | | | | from Buddhism and Taoism, is a discipline in spirituality |
| the gentle flowing and easy-to-learn nature of Qigong | | | | that teaches one to be more self-aware and create a |
| makes it accessible to all age groups regardless of | | | | peaceful and harmonious relationship with nature. |
| fitness level. In fact, children, people recovering from | | | | Sure, Qigong can't really give you a perfect physique, |
| injury and those suffering from Alzheimer's disease | | | | but with the highly stressful environment we live in |
| can benefit from qigong as well. Qigong requires no | | | | today, it provides a welcoming respite for the weary |
| exercise apparatus, not even a mat. It is estimated that | | | | soul. Its gaining popularity is evident of the shift in focus |
| millions in the world today (besides in China where it | | | | from being merely health-conscious to seeking a more |
| originated) practise Qigong on a regular basis. | | | | holistic mind-body-spirit rejuvenation. Experts are |
| Even so, you may still wondering what exactly Qigong | | | | predicting that qigong may one day supercede yoga in |
| is, and how it can benefit you? Qigong has been | | | | popularity. Already, more and more former yoga |
| around for thousands of years and is a part of the | | | | practitioners are switching over to Qigong due to "mat |
| system of traditional Chinese medicine. In the Chinese | | | | fatigue" (read: too much hype and overcrowded |
| language, Qi means breath or gas, and breath is | | | | studios with too little mat space). |
| regarded to be the vital energy flowing through the | | | | Qigong can be learnt on your own or through attending |
| human body. Gong refers to work or technique. So | | | | a course. But as there's no specific training required to |
| Qigong is basically the art or technique of managing | | | | be a qigong "master", make sure you do your |
| one's breathing. Coupled with the coordination of | | | | research well before signing up for any classes or |
| different postures and body movements, Qigong can | | | | buying random Qigong tapes. A good source where |
| provide many health benefits such as relieving stress, | | | | you can learn Qigong on your own would be |
| increasing one's energy and stamina, healing injuries, | | | | QigongWeb. The guy behind this website is a long-time |
| improving bone joints and creating harmony between | | | | practitioner of Qigong and he provides a |
| mind and body. Qigong has also been said to be able | | | | comprehensive and easy-to-follow guide for the |
| to improve one's self-confidence, sex hormone levels, | | | | different Qigong exercises. |
| immune system, internal organs, as well as detoxify | | | | As per usual, before you start on any exercise |
| the body. | | | | program, make sure you consult a doctor before |
| There are four major areas of Qigong. Healing Qigong | | | | starting on Qigong. Finally, breathe, relax, and embark |
| (Yi Gong) teaches one how to manage stress. | | | | on your journey to total wellness. |
| External Qi Healing (Wai Qi Zhi Liao) enables one to | | | | |