History
Chi Kung or Qi Gong is the science of cultivating our body’s internal energy, which in
Chinese is called Chi or Qi.The Chinese have been researching this Chi or Qi
phenomena for the last four to six thousand years, and have found it to be an
effective way to improve health, cure many illnesses and most importantly of all,
however, they have found that it can help achieve both mental and spiritual peace.
Chinese Qigong can be roughly divided into four periods. We know little about the
first period, which is considered to have started when the "Yi Jing"
(Book of Changes) was introduced sometime before 1122 B.C., and to have
extended until the Han dynasty (206 B.C.) when Buddhism and its meditation
methods were imported from India. This infusion brought Qigong practice and
meditation into the second period, the religious Qigong era. This period lasted
until the Liang dynasty (502-557 A.D.), when it was discovered that Qigong
could be used for martial purposes. This was the beginning of the third period,
that of martial Qigong. Many different martial Qigong styles were created based
on the theories and principles of Buddhist and Daoist Qigong.
Introduction
Chi Kung or qi Gong in Chinese means to cultivate internal energy (Qi or Chi)
through certain breathing exercises and internal training (Nei Kung). But, in fact,
it is much more than just a breathing exercise.
Chi is material based. The Chi Kung practitioner
contains static electricity, infra-red magnetism, etc. It is an energy, the biological
or vital energy of the human body. Chi in Chi Kung is not limited to just the inhaling
or exhaling of air. And this whole concept is based on preserving the Mind in the
Tantien (field of elixir), 4 cun below the navel for awakening and enlightenment.
In Chinese medical theories, Chi is more important than blood. Chi leads the blood
to flow. If one is lacking in blood; by an infusion, one can regain normal levels.
But if one is lacking in Chi, ie no biological energy in the heart cells, the heart will not
pump and the blood not flow. If chi is weak, the body is weak.
Meridians (energy channels)
There are 12 main meridians and 8 extra meridians through which chi flows. If chi
flows through the meridians smoothly, the body will be healthy. If chi doesn't flow
smoothly, being restricted or blocked, the body will be sick.
Chi Kung exercise is different from other medical treatment, either eastern
or western. It does not depend on anything or anyone else. It is ‘self help’ therapy.
It has no side-effects and as long as the practitioner is correctly taught, then practices
with patience and perseverance, chi kung exercise prevent and even cure disease.
There are different styles of Chi Kung or Qi Gong being practiced in the world.
Although there are only 2 main styles: Soft and hard Chi Kung or Internal and
External Chi Kung. The Soft style is mainly practiced through Tai Chi, Pa Kua,
Nei Kung and meditation, while the hard style is mainly practiced in martial art
such as kung fu, aikido, karate and etc.
Jing-an offers two Main kind of Chi Kung(Qi Gong) Styles - Core Foundation –
Tien Tao The Soft styles - 18 Tai Chi Chi Kung Steps and 11 Balancing Gong
Steps the Hard styles - 8 Section Brocades (PaTuan Chin), Muscle Sinew
Classics (Yi Jin jing) & Iron Shirt Chi Kung
