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Typical passive
qi gong stance
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Qi gong (ch'i kung)
Ch'i kung - more correctly written as qi
gong - is a term embracing numerous different exercise routines
from China. The origins of these routines can stretch back many
thousands of years.
Translated, qi gong means something like 'the method of breathing'
or 'the cultivation of energy through breathing'. Although there
are many different styles of qi gong, the movements themselves
are usually easy to learn. The challenge comes from coordinating
these with the correct way of breathing. When this is achieved,
the body's natural vitality (Qi) is circulated far more efficiently
than would normally be the case. With daily practice, therefore,
qi gong can strengthen the overall state of health and increase
resistance to illness. This is achieved through combining the
breath with certain gentle movements or, sometimes, without any
movement at all. I call these two varieties of qi gong active
and passive respectively.
My book Teach Yourself Chi Kung ( Books)
provides an introduction to several different styles of qi gong
that you might like to use as a gateway to finding an experienced
instructor or school that suits you. The more active styles are
becoming very popular these days, while the passive exercises
(like the one illustrated here to the left), requires a fair
bit of patience and dedication. No matter what we choose, and
providing our interests are simply for health and relaxation
purposes, most of us can achieve positive results within a few
weeks of daily practice. Follow the links below in this section
to discover a little more about the history and benefits of the
timeless art of qi gong.
History of Qi Gong Qi Gong
Illustrated Books
About Health Scientific
Studies Home
Article: Wade-Giles
or Pinyin?
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