What is Qi-Gong?

Posted 26 oct. 2020

Qi-Gong / Chi Gong or Chi Kung (pronounced as Chee Gong or Chee Kung) often translated as life energy, referring to energy circulating through the body. Qi in Sanskrit means ‘Prana’ or Life Force. Gong (or kung) is often translated as cultivation. So loosely speaking “Qi-Gong” means ‘cultivation of life energy i.e. Prana’. It has been around for thousands of years. It’s a set of slow moving, gentle exercises performed while standing. Although there are a number of sets that are performed while seated as well. Many times it is referred as moving meditation. Qigong practice typically comprises of coordination of gentle movement, deep diaphragmatic breathing, and calm mental focus. Generally qigong forms can be characterized as a mix of four types of practice: dynamic, static, meditative, and activities requiring external aids.

Why do you need Qi-Gong?

This ancient energy practice may seem slow and boring, but it's actually quite challenging and can bring great benefits to your mind and body.

Today, millions of people practice Qigong around the world to successfully treat a myriad of diseases, to improve general health, support longevity, and mental wellbeing. Most notably, Qigong practice can provide profound relief from stress and strongly enhance the body's immune function. Successful aging is related to the optimal functioning of the immune system and vital internal organs. About 70% of the lifestyle related diseases reported are totally preventable. In a time when healthcare options appear expensive, use of Qigong is great news.

5 Unique features of QI-GONG

• A set of simple exercises that anybody can do anywhere at any time of the day.
• It’s an exercise that works on mental calmness and physical fitness at the same time.
• Movements are slow and gentle, coordinated with proper breathing and mental focus, suitable for all ages and abilities
• No need for special clothing and no supplements required
• Is more calming and restorative.

Gym vs Qi-Gong : External Vs Internal

Unlike dynamic exercise routines such as weights training, aerobics or other such exercises which work on the large external muscle groups, Qigong focuses on exercising fascia, tendons, internal muscles and organs (i.e. Liver, Heart etc). Qigong does not dramatically increase the heart rate during exercise. The objective of Qigong is not to make the heart pump more strongly, but to increase the elasticity of the vascular system. As the vessels expand and contract with more vigor, the heart does not need to pump as strongly, thereby providing it with more rest. The lymph fluids are moved primarily by tiny muscular expansions and contractions. Qi-gong's relatively fine muscular (myofascia i.e. muscles & fascia) expansions and contractions move lymph efficiently through the entire system.

To summarize, Qi-Gong improves your abilities from inside to outside. You can practice a focused Qi-Gong workout regime or you can spice up your existing workouts with Qi-Gong. Begin your Qi-Gong journey with our first module of VITAL QI-GONG.