what is qigong
Qigong (pronounced “chee-gong”) is an ancient Chinese practice that integrates coordinated body movements, breathing techniques, and meditation. The term “Qigong” combines “qi,” meaning vital energy or life force, and “gong,” which translates to cultivation or mastery. Qigong is, therefore, the cultivation and balance of the vital energy, or qi, believed to flow through every living being.
Qigong involves slow, flowing movements, deep rhythmic breathing, and a focused meditative state. This practice is rooted in Chinese medicine, philosophy, and martial arts, and is used for various purposes including recreation, exercise, relaxation, preventive medicine, self-healing, and meditation. Globally, people engage in Qigong for its health benefits and as a form of self-cultivation.
The core of Qigong lies in cultivating a calm, centered mind while harmonizing the body’s movements and breath. This practice aims to balance the body’s qi, ensuring its smooth flow, which is essential for maintaining health and well-being.
The History of Qigong
The origins of Qigong trace back over 2,000 years, deeply embedded in ancient Chinese culture and philosophy. It evolved from various Chinese traditions, including traditional Chinese medicine, Confucianism, Taoism, Buddhism, and martial arts.
Qigong’s historical development began as early as the Western Han Dynasty (206 BC – 9 AD) with practices designed for health maintenance, such as the “daoyin” exercises, which involved stretching, breathing, and guiding energy through the body. These early forms were depicted in ancient texts and art, like the Mawangdui Silk Texts, which illustrate exercises resembling modern Qigong movements.
Over the centuries, Qigong evolved within different segments of Chinese society. In traditional Chinese medicine, it was used for preventive and curative purposes. Confucianism promoted Qigong to cultivate moral character and longevity, while Taoist practitioners used it for its meditative and spiritual benefits. Buddhist monks incorporated Qigong into their practices for spiritual growth, and martial artists integrated it to enhance physical prowess and defensive abilities.
The modern era of Qigong began in the 1940s and 1950s when the Chinese government sought to systematize and promote Qigong as a health practice. Liu Guizhen, a key figure in this movement, coined the term “Qigong” and popularized the practice by emphasizing its health benefits. This period saw a surge in Qigong’s popularity, with millions of people in China practicing it daily.
However, the practice faced challenges, particularly during the Cultural Revolution (1966–1976), when traditional practices like Qigong were suppressed. Despite this, Qigong experienced a resurgence in the 1980s and 1990s, gaining recognition for its health benefits, though it also became controversial due to exaggerated claims by some Qigong masters, leading to government crackdowns on certain groups in 1999.
Today, Qigong is practiced worldwide, focusing on its health benefits, while its traditional roots in Chinese medicine, philosophy, and martial arts continue to influence its practice.
types of qigong
Qigong is a diverse practice with various forms and techniques, broadly categorized based on focus and method of practice. These categories help practitioners choose the form of Qigong that best suits their needs, whether for health, spiritual development, or martial arts training.
Dynamic or Active Qigong (Dong Gong): This type involves coordinated movements, often slow and flowing, synchronized with deep breathing and mental focus. Dynamic Qigong forms include Tai Chi, Baguazhang, and Xingyiquan, martial arts that incorporate Qigong principles. These movements enhance strength, flexibility, balance, and qi flow throughout the body.
Static or Meditative Qigong (Jing Gong): Static Qigong involves holding specific postures or focusing on inner sensations and energy flow while remaining still. Examples include the “standing meditation” (Zhan Zhuang) and the Eight Pieces of Brocade (Baduanjin Qigong). Static Qigong emphasizes mental focus and internal energy cultivation.
Internal Qigong: Focused on self-cultivation and self-care, internal Qigong involves practices performed by the individual, often in a meditative state, to improve health, balance emotions, and cultivate spiritual awareness. It is commonly used for preventive health care and self-healing.
External Qigong: In external Qigong, a practitioner or master transmits qi to another person, often in therapeutic settings, to promote healing. This form is less common and requires a high level of skill and experience.
Medical Qigong: Integrated into traditional Chinese medicine, medical Qigong includes specific techniques and exercises designed to address health issues by balancing and enhancing qi flow in the body. It is used both as a preventive measure and as a treatment for various ailments.
Martial Qigong: Practiced by martial artists, martial Qigong develops physical power, enhances endurance, and improves mental focus. Techniques in martial Qigong include breath control, visualization, and dynamic movements designed to increase strength and withstand physical challenges.
Why Mindful Practices Like Qigong Are Important Today
In today’s fast-paced and stressful world, mindful practices like Qigong are increasingly important for maintaining overall health and well-being. The pressures of modern life, including work-related stress, social challenges, and constant connectivity, can lead to various physical and mental health issues. Qigong offers a way to counterbalance these stresses by promoting relaxation, emotional stability, and physical health.
One of the primary benefits of Qigong is its ability to reduce stress. The practice’s emphasis on deep, rhythmic breathing and gentle, flowing movements helps activate the parasympathetic nervous system, responsible for the body’s “rest and digest” response. This can lower cortisol levels, reduce anxiety, and promote a sense of calm and relaxation.
In addition to stress reduction, Qigong helps individuals manage their emotions. The meditative aspect of Qigong encourages mindfulness and self-awareness, allowing practitioners to observe their thoughts and emotions without becoming overwhelmed. This can lead to greater emotional resilience and the ability to respond to challenging situations with a calm, clear mind.
Moreover, Qigong’s focus on the flow of qi, or life energy, aligns with holistic health principles. By ensuring that qi flows smoothly, Qigong helps maintain physical health and prevent illness. This holistic approach is particularly relevant today, where chronic diseases and mental health issues are on the rise.
Qigong’s gentle nature makes it accessible to people of all ages and physical abilities. Unlike more strenuous forms of exercise, Qigong can be practiced by seniors, people with disabilities, and those recovering from illness or injury. This inclusivity is important as it allows more people to benefit from the practice’s health-promoting effects.
As society becomes more aware of the importance of mental health, practices like Qigong that integrate physical movement with mental focus and emotional regulation are gaining recognition. Qigong’s ability to enhance mental clarity, boost mood, and improve overall quality of life makes it a valuable tool in the pursuit of mental wellness.
In conclusion, Qigong is a powerful practice that offers a range of benefits for physical, mental, and emotional health. Its ability to reduce stress, promote emotional balance, and support overall health makes it particularly relevant in today’s world. By incorporating Qigong into daily life, individuals can cultivate a sense of inner peace, resilience, and vitality, helping them navigate the challenges of modern life with greater ease and grace.
The Immortal Arts System
The Immortal Arts Taoist Qigong system is a profound practice that seamlessly integrates ancient Taoist wisdom with modern techniques for self-healing and spiritual growth. Rooted in timeless traditions, it emphasizes balance, harmony, and the cultivation of Qi energy—the vital life force flowing through all living beings. Developed and taught by Sifu Jesse Lee Parker, the system combines inner alchemy, Qigong, and meditation to empower individuals, fostering improved health, emotional resilience, and spiritual clarity.
At the heart of the Immortal Arts lies the philosophy of the “Three Treasures”—body, energy, and spirit. These interconnected elements provide a comprehensive foundation for personal development, beginning with physical well-being and extending to energetic and spiritual growth. Practitioners are guided to harmonize Yin and Yang energies, cultivating a deeper connection with nature and the universe. A central focus is the DanTian, the core energy center essential for vitality and transformation.
Structured practices within the system include Golden Lotus Neigong, which enhances energy flow and flexibility; Marrow Washing Qigong, revitalizing bones and organs; and Iron Turtle TaoYin, which builds strength and balance. These methods work together to nurture physical vitality, inner peace, and self-realization.
At MindBodyInMotion, Bastiaan Groen, a certified instructor in the Immortal Arts, brings these teachings to life. With a deep commitment to authentic Taoist principles, Bastiaan continues his studies under Sifu Jesse Lee Parker, ensuring each class and consultation reflects the essence of this transformative system.
The Immortal Arts offer a holistic pathway for those seeking health, harmony, and a profound sense of purpose. Through these practices, individuals embark on a journey of self-discovery, unlocking their potential for lasting well-being and spiritual fulfillment.
