Qi Gong Then And Now
Qi gong can trace its history back over 3000 years. How can exercises formulated so long ago still have a place in the modern world in which we live?
Today, Qi gong is recognized by many as an effective means of maintaining good health and curing disease. Even in the time of the Spring and Autumn and Warring States (770-221BC), Qi gong had a high level of importance.
The Yellow Emperors Manual And Qi Gong
The Yellow Emperor’s Manual of Internal Medicine, written in the fourth century BC, refers to Qi gong. Qi gong exercises were already being practiced when Greece was holding its first Olympic Games (TT6 BC),
whilst the Celts were invading Britain (800 BC) and even before the birth of Confucius (551 BC).
Developed by the early Taoists, Qi gong evolved by carefully studying the natural
surroundings and wildlife. The bear’s gait, the tiger prowling, the bird stretching its wings etc.
The Ancient Taoists observed that the animals were able to keep themselves
healthy.
This observation, coupled with a knowledge of internal energy (qi), led them
to devise exercises to regulate breathing with the body’s movements
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- English (Publication Language)
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It was found that exercise alone could not bring about balance and harmony within the body.
Following the principle of Yin and Yang, if movement is Yang, then stillness being Yin
is necessary to achieve the balance. Stillness in the form of meditation.
Gaunzi, a book, written in 300 BC notes:
“achievement of meditation will improve the general fitness of the four limbs, and this will in turn
accumulate abundant energy and vigor in the body.’
What role can exercises formulated in these ancient times play in our world, steeped in science and technology?
Is there a place for ancient healing exercises or have the wonders of modern medicine overtaken them?
For those who are healthy, modern medicine offers little or nothing to maintain a
healthy balance. Without some form of maintenance, the body will eventually become weak
and unhealthy. It is only when we are ill that we go and see a doctor. We never go when we are
healthy!
With the wide spectrum of drugs and medicine available today, there are still many
conditions and incurable illnesses. Many drugs have side effects, so curing
one problem creates another. You’d better not fall ill in the first place.
Daily practice of the Qi gong exercises and meditation build up the qi and can keep the body balanced and prevent illness. Our modern lifestyle creates stress and tension.
Coronary heart disease is common in this country. The effects of Qi gong have been proven to be beneficial to patients suffering from angina and also those suffering from Hypertension (high blood pressure.)
There are even optimistic reports that the condition of some cancer patients can be improved!
Insomnia, Lumbago, Hepatitis, and other conditions have been eased and alleviated by performing Qi gong exercises.
Qi Gong Video
Qi gong is an excellent way of keeping fit and improving one’s health. It is suitable for all, young, old, weak or strong; all can benefit. It has been described as a process of “self rejuvenation”.
Now, as much as at any other time in our history, we must turn to Qi gong’s healing art. To go forward, we must first go backward.
By using this ancient skill of Qi Gong, we may prepare ourselves for the stresses of living now and in the future.
by Sue Johnson
Source: Qi Magazine Issue 1
