Introduction to Qi Gong

Qigong (pronounced chee goong) is a Chinese system of physical training, philosophy, and preventive and therapeutic health care. Qi (or chi) means air, breath of life or vital essence. Gong means work, self-discipline, achievement or mastery. This art combines aerobic conditioning, isometrics, isotonics, meditation, and relaxation. Qigong is a discipline whose practice allows us to gain control over the life force that courses throughout our bodies.

There are more than 3,000 varieties of qigong, and five major qigong traditions: the Taoist, Buddhist, Confucian, martial arts, and medical. Qigong is thus a soft form of a related set of disciplines that includes Taiji (Tai Chi Quan) and the hard form of Kung Fu. Here I treat only the medical tradition. Like the other forms, medical qigong is "the cultivation and deliberate control of a higher form of vital energy" (Dong & Esser 1990:xi). It is also, as Yan Xin (1991: i) defines it, "an ancient philosophical system of harmonious integration of the human body with the universe." As a radical denial of the human species' separation from nature, qigong challenges the foundations of modern Western biomedical thought.

Medical qigong involves breathing exercises combined with meditation. The breathing exercises induce help induce the state of meditation, and vice versa. One is aware of what is going on, but not too aware, fully relaxed but not in a trance. In a qigong state, cares and troubles wash away. Replacing them are positive images, increased confidence, and enhanced spirit. Eventually, there will be no distractions, depressing thoughts or worries. Through meditation one gains feelings of happiness. This in turn stimulates circulation of blood and qi, or life force.

If one is ill, over time the body's functions are thus able to return to normal. If one is not ill, the existing sense of wellness and well-being increases.

People of all ages can learn to practice qigong, and so develop and maintain internal vigour and good health.

During the Chinese Cultural Revolution (1965-76) the Communist Party and Red Guards suppressed qigong. In about 1978 it began to make a comeback. In China in the 1980s there was an upsurge of interest in qigong. Today, more than 70 million Chinese practice qigong every day (McGee w/Chow 1994:xiii). Some do this to treat and cure an existing illness. Others are trying to prevent the onset of disease. Still others want to feel and perform better, experience higher levels of energy and stamina, and slow down the ageing process.

Qigong is least effective against acute illness or medical emergencies. It is better at preventing disease, and treating chronic conditions or disabilities. Inspired by tales of the qigong masters' miracle cures (see Eisenberg w/Wright 1985), many Westerners are travelling to China for treatment.

Now qigong is rapidly invading North America. In 1988 the Chinese held in Beijing the first World Conference for exchanging qigong medical research (MacRitchie 1993: 4). Later world conferences happened in Tokyo and Berkeley. Another will take place in the summer of 1996 in New York City. Today, North American psychological, physiological and medical researchers are studying qigong with rapidly increasing interest. University students throughout North America have formed qigong practice groups, and on the Internet WorldWide Web qigong home pages are blossoming. A very large movement is underway.

The Chinese have found qigong an effective way to treat substance abuse and obesity. This gentle art improves delivery of oxygen to the body's cells, reduces stress and improves bowel functioning. Chinese doctors have applied qigong in hospitals and clinics to treat individuals suffering from a variety of ailments. These include allergies, arthritis, asthma, bowel problems, constipation, diabetes, gastritis, gout, headaches, heart disease and hypertension. The list goes on: chronic kidney disease, liver disease, lower back pain, Meniere's disease, myopia, obesity, neurasthenia, paralysis induced by external injury, retinopathy (deterioration of the back of the eye), rheumatism, sciatic neuralgia, sleeplessness, stress, torticollis, ulcers, and peripheral vascular disease. Qigong can successfully treats cancer and reduce or eliminate side effects from radiation and chemotherapy. It is helpful in treating aphasia (loss or impairment of ability to speak), cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease and post-stroke syndrome. It is especially useful in treating any kind of chronic pain, and chronic disorders of the digestive, respiratory, cardiovascular and nervous systems.

Qigong can help one fight virtually any disease. Through qigong, patients can cure many of the 50% of all diseases that Western doctors dismiss as untreatably 'psychosomatic.' If you try qigong to treat an existing illness, do so if possible under the guidance of a licensed Chinese medical doctor. Don't try it completely on your own. Beginners need professional supervision. Here the doctor or qigong practitioner acts as an advisor and teacher, rather than a Western-style repair technician. The patient must be an active partner in the health care process.