Qigong
The origins of Qigong are shrouded deep in the depths of time, before man
started keeping records. Earliest estimates suggest that self enhancement
and empowerment practices similar to Qigong date to the time of the ancient
Chinese shamans, prior to 2600 BC, the time of the Yellow Emperor.
While there are many forms of Qigong that have strong roots in sports,
mysticism, and religious philosophy, the practical healing effects of many
Qigong practices are its most popular aspects today. The health benefits of
Qigong are the cause of its rapidly growing popularity in the West, as people
realize that disease and stress can be relieved by the peace of mind brought
on by Qigong practice.
Qigong is the oldest of the four pillars of Traditional Chinese Medicine, or
TCM: Those four pillars are Acupuncture, Massage, Herbal Medicines and
Qigong. Of these, Qigong is the most easily learned and implemented.
Although both massage and herbal remedies can also be implemented as self
healing remedies, Qigong is considered to be the mother of Chinese
self-healing. Patients who use Qigong regularly have been shown to need
less medication, less acupuncture and have a tendency to heal faster.
The word Qigong breaks into Qi (vitality, or life energy) and Gong (which
loosely translates to "requiring skill or cultivation"). Therefore, Qigong roughly
translates to mean "cultivate and refine your life force through continuous and
skillful practice."
The Chinese Masters believe and teach that the primary mechanism triggered
by the practice of Qigong is a spontaneous balancing and enhancing of the
natural healing resources in the human body. Over many thousands of years,
millions of people have benefited from these practices, believing that
improving the function of the Qi maintains health and heals disease.
In the laboratories of Western science, the practice of Qigong has proven to
trigger a wide array of physiological changes in the body which have profound
healing benefits, such as increasing the delivery of oxygen to cellular tissues,
enhancing the elimination of waste products, and improving the transportation
of immune cells through the lymph system. Qigong, if practiced regularly
tends to shift the chemistry of the brain and the nervous system.
On any morning in the parks throughout China, you will find literally thousands
of people practices Qigong. Some practice individually, quietly among the
trees. Others practice in large groups. Often, one will see a patient, in hospital
pajamas, doing a special form of cancer recovery Qigong - a form of slow and
intentful walking. Or, a group might stand in a circle chatting as they do a
simple form based on hand movements.
Qigong is one of the most powerful self-healing traditions ever developed. It is
not only practiced in China. Many other cultures around the world use the
same types of meditations and movements to improve health. A typical
Qigong session consists of five elements: meditation, cleansing chi,
strengthening chi, circulating chi, and dispersing chi.
Although you can learn much from reading books and buying videos, there are
some aspects of Qigong that can be harmful if practiced incorrectly. If you are
going to try to learn on your own, it is wise to seek at least occasional help
from a Qigong master who can guide you safely through the more advanced
and complicated routines.
The origins of Qigong are shrouded deep in the depths of time, before man
started keeping records. Earliest estimates suggest that self enhancement
and empowerment practices similar to Qigong date to the time of the ancient
Chinese shamans, prior to 2600 BC, the time of the Yellow Emperor.
While there are many forms of Qigong that have strong roots in sports,
mysticism, and religious philosophy, the practical healing effects of many
Qigong practices are its most popular aspects today. The health benefits of
Qigong are the cause of its rapidly growing popularity in the West, as people
realize that disease and stress can be relieved by the peace of mind brought
on by Qigong practice.
Qigong is the oldest of the four pillars of Traditional Chinese Medicine, or
TCM: Those four pillars are Acupuncture, Massage, Herbal Medicines and
Qigong. Of these, Qigong is the most easily learned and implemented.
Although both massage and herbal remedies can also be implemented as self
healing remedies, Qigong is considered to be the mother of Chinese
self-healing. Patients who use Qigong regularly have been shown to need
less medication, less acupuncture and have a tendency to heal faster.
The word Qigong breaks into Qi (vitality, or life energy) and Gong (which
loosely translates to "requiring skill or cultivation"). Therefore, Qigong roughly
translates to mean "cultivate and refine your life force through continuous and
skillful practice."
The Chinese Masters believe and teach that the primary mechanism triggered
by the practice of Qigong is a spontaneous balancing and enhancing of the
natural healing resources in the human body. Over many thousands of years,
millions of people have benefited from these practices, believing that
improving the function of the Qi maintains health and heals disease.
In the laboratories of Western science, the practice of Qigong has proven to
trigger a wide array of physiological changes in the body which have profound
healing benefits, such as increasing the delivery of oxygen to cellular tissues,
enhancing the elimination of waste products, and improving the transportation
of immune cells through the lymph system. Qigong, if practiced regularly
tends to shift the chemistry of the brain and the nervous system.
On any morning in the parks throughout China, you will find literally thousands
of people practices Qigong. Some practice individually, quietly among the
trees. Others practice in large groups. Often, one will see a patient, in hospital
pajamas, doing a special form of cancer recovery Qigong - a form of slow and
intentful walking. Or, a group might stand in a circle chatting as they do a
simple form based on hand movements.
Qigong is one of the most powerful self-healing traditions ever developed. It is
not only practiced in China. Many other cultures around the world use the
same types of meditations and movements to improve health. A typical
Qigong session consists of five elements: meditation, cleansing chi,
strengthening chi, circulating chi, and dispersing chi.
Although you can learn much from reading books and buying videos, there are
some aspects of Qigong that can be harmful if practiced incorrectly. If you are
going to try to learn on your own, it is wise to seek at least occasional help
from a Qigong master who can guide you safely through the more advanced
and complicated routines.
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
(Yang Style)
Tai Chi is an ancient form of martial arts that is more appropriately referred to
intended to unite body and mind, build inner strength, and develop a strong,
healthy flow of life energy, or Chi, within the body. Tai Chi uses little effort, but
when performed correctly it develops tremendous physical strength, as well as
exceptional mental concentration and discipline. Although Tai Chi seems simple,
it takes time to learn the proper movements and their coordination with
breathing and thought processes. In addition to physical and mental
requirements, the practitioner's breathing must also be fully synchronized with
the precise movements of the body.
The Chinese believe that a universal life force, or energy, which they refer to as
“chi,” is present in all living creatures, both plant and animal. They also believe
that chi circulates throughout the entire body on specific pathways called
meridians, and that a strong, well-balanced chi flow ensures better health,
longer life, and stronger immunity against illnesses of all types. Blockages of
this energy may result in diminished capacity of the body to fight off disease. Tai
Chi helps to create and encourage the free flow of chi. The soft-flowing
movements help people of all ages to improve their physical condition, increase
flexibility, decrease fatigue, and develop endurance.
Tai Chi may be an effective complementary approach to relief of many
symptoms of the following conditions:
In addition to helping improve the above medical conditions, Tai Chi may also
help to achieve many other healthy benefits, such as:
Tai Chi exercises are done very slowly with smooth, flowing motions. By moving
at an extremely slow pace, your body's normal responses are challenged. You
must continuously reevaluate every movement. This causes you to become
more aware of the body and its capabilities. The flowing motions cause joints to
operate more smoothly, energy blockages to dissolve, and chi to circulate
through the body in a more rapid and efficient manner. Relaxed postures and
circular movements encourage a greater limberness, thus helping to relax
muscles. The combination of turning, stretching, and twisting causes every part
of the body to be exercised through a full range of motion without strain. You
are strengthened by the process of continuous and repeated movements. The
slow movements of Tai Chi foster a deep relaxation of the body, which
encourages a meditative state in which the mind is quiet and clear of distracting
thoughts. The ability of Tai Chi to rejuvenate, rather than exhaust, makes it a
valuable alternative in our active and fast-paced society.
Tai Chi classes are usually conducted in small, private groups. Select clothing
that allows free movement. Wear comfortable shoes that provide good foot
support and traction, preferably with leather soles. Beginner classes will teach
basic stances and foot work. The next level will cover proper breathing,
relaxation, and coordination of movement. The final stage will involve learning
individual movements, doing them in continuous sequence.
Expect to let go of the burdens and stresses of your daily routine. Allow yourself
to relax and totally concentrate on the subtle movements of your body and the
quiet intentions of your mind. The slow, gentle movements will foster a
meditative state that will help to clear the mind of distracting thoughts.
For additional information about:
Tai Chi and Lowering Blood Pressure click on Lowering Blood Pressure
Tai Chi is an ancient form of martial arts that is more appropriately referred to
intended to unite body and mind, build inner strength, and develop a strong,
healthy flow of life energy, or Chi, within the body. Tai Chi uses little effort, but
when performed correctly it develops tremendous physical strength, as well as
exceptional mental concentration and discipline. Although Tai Chi seems simple,
it takes time to learn the proper movements and their coordination with
breathing and thought processes. In addition to physical and mental
requirements, the practitioner's breathing must also be fully synchronized with
the precise movements of the body.
The Chinese believe that a universal life force, or energy, which they refer to as
“chi,” is present in all living creatures, both plant and animal. They also believe
that chi circulates throughout the entire body on specific pathways called
meridians, and that a strong, well-balanced chi flow ensures better health,
longer life, and stronger immunity against illnesses of all types. Blockages of
this energy may result in diminished capacity of the body to fight off disease. Tai
Chi helps to create and encourage the free flow of chi. The soft-flowing
movements help people of all ages to improve their physical condition, increase
flexibility, decrease fatigue, and develop endurance.
Tai Chi may be an effective complementary approach to relief of many
symptoms of the following conditions:
In addition to helping improve the above medical conditions, Tai Chi may also
help to achieve many other healthy benefits, such as:
Tai Chi exercises are done very slowly with smooth, flowing motions. By moving
at an extremely slow pace, your body's normal responses are challenged. You
must continuously reevaluate every movement. This causes you to become
more aware of the body and its capabilities. The flowing motions cause joints to
operate more smoothly, energy blockages to dissolve, and chi to circulate
through the body in a more rapid and efficient manner. Relaxed postures and
circular movements encourage a greater limberness, thus helping to relax
muscles. The combination of turning, stretching, and twisting causes every part
of the body to be exercised through a full range of motion without strain. You
are strengthened by the process of continuous and repeated movements. The
slow movements of Tai Chi foster a deep relaxation of the body, which
encourages a meditative state in which the mind is quiet and clear of distracting
thoughts. The ability of Tai Chi to rejuvenate, rather than exhaust, makes it a
valuable alternative in our active and fast-paced society.
Tai Chi classes are usually conducted in small, private groups. Select clothing
that allows free movement. Wear comfortable shoes that provide good foot
support and traction, preferably with leather soles. Beginner classes will teach
basic stances and foot work. The next level will cover proper breathing,
relaxation, and coordination of movement. The final stage will involve learning
individual movements, doing them in continuous sequence.
Expect to let go of the burdens and stresses of your daily routine. Allow yourself
to relax and totally concentrate on the subtle movements of your body and the
quiet intentions of your mind. The slow, gentle movements will foster a
meditative state that will help to clear the mind of distracting thoughts.
For additional information about:
Tai Chi and Lowering Blood Pressure click on Lowering Blood Pressure
| Michael Powers Body Work Qigong/Tai Chi |
|
|