氣功
Health, inner peace, balance of the body, emotions, and mind!
Qi Gong, Chi Kung, Ki Kong, Qigong, or Qìgōng is a term referring to a traditional Chinese system of exercises aimed at perceiving, cultivating, and working with a person' vital energy. Its philosophy is dedicated to a healthy lifestyle and develops an understanding of self-regulation of health, self-improvement, and balance. Qi Gong is a term derived from the transcription of the Chinese characters 氣功 (Qìgōng) in the old script and the simplified script 气功 (Qìgōng).
The translation of the characters is:
Qi 氣 or 气 (Qì) means: air, gas, vapor, spirit, and in this context is translated as energy;
Gong 功 (gōng) means: work (physical), achievement, merit, result, and in this case is translated as work.
Thus, Qi Gong translates as "Working with energy."
For the Chinese, Qi is like a living force, water, or air, which flows through the cosmos and nourishes everything in existence. At the same time, they define specific types of Qi, such as the energy we get from food or breathing. The exact meaning of Qi depends on the context in which it is used. This dual concept, referring both to general energy and specific manifestations of it, is similar to the mutually complementary nature of Yin and Yang.
Nowadays, Qi Gong has become popular as a synonym for Tai Ji Quan or Tai Chi. In fact, Qi Gong is part of every traditional Chinese martial art, practiced either as separate exercises or as an integral aspect of the martial art itself.
Although Qi Gong can be used as a standalone system for self-regulation of health, rehabilitation, and prevention of various health problems, it also plays an essential role in the complete practice of martial arts.
Today, Tai Ji/Tai Chi and Qi Gong are often seen as equivalent, even though Tai Ji includes the work with energy from Qi Gong, and Qi Gong is part of the comprehensive knowledge of Tai Ji Quan. Essentially, Qi Gong represents the quality within martial arts, but today it has gained more popularity as an independent health system and a method for spiritual development.
There are various types of Qi Gong, which can be generally categorized as:
- External: relying more on muscular strength or twisting Jing;
- Internal: using twisting Jing and/or Qi energy;
- Hard: emphasizing the strengthening of the body's surfaces as preparation for the hard and external styles of Kung Fu;
- Soft: using twisting Jing or Qi energy as a means to maintain and balance the body.
The soft and flowing movements in Qi Gong practice, combined with breathing and mental focus, turn the exercises into a natural self-regulating process for the body. This method was called by the ancient Chinese "the alchemical process of transforming the five elements and the eight trigrams." Essentially, it is a process of allowing the body to self-balance and maintain health naturally.
Qi Gong is used as a form of gymnastics for:
- Longevity and self-improvement;
- Physical and mental health, and resistance to diseases;
- Vitality, inner strength, and mood enhancement;
- Reducing stress and the effects of overheating;
- Developing mental resilience and calmness through emotional balance;
- Inner peace.