The concept of
Qigong has been widely known for many years and is commonly associated with
medical gymnastics or a program of health-promoting excercises.
There is indeed
some truth in these perceptions, but Qigong can be characterized more
accurately as an art or basic science about life. Unlike in the standard view
of the Western science, the Chinese think of a man not only as a physical body,
but also energy and soul. Oriental philosophy always considers three
interlinked components that constitute the holistic system of any living being
– those are the physical, energetic, and information aspects.
By taking that
into account, we can conclude that an improvement or change in one part must
result in positive effects on the other parts of the whole system. Boosting the
energy, increasing its amount has positive effects on the body, causes changes
at the information level, regenerates the internal organs and regulates the
correct functioning of all systems in the body.
One of the main
motivations for people taking interest in Qigong is an acute need for regaining
health or for solving problems of psychological or emotional nature. Some
people seek Quigong as a spiritual resource or are led by their desire to
release their talents and to develop particular abilities. Indeed, while
practicing Qigong and achieving their initial goals, they understand that Qigong
is a whole system for developing all aspects of personality.
The following
definition of the Zhong Yuan Qigong system was given by the Master Xu Mingtang,
director of the Beijing Medical Research Kundawell Institute, member of the
Chinese Association of Traditional Chinese Medicine at the Department of
External Treatment Modalities, Deputy Chairman of the World Academic Society of
Medical Qigong:
„The Zhong Yuan
Qigong system belongs to the higher levels of Qigong and represents a holistic
system of knowledge and methods, which allows to normalize the psycho-physical
condition, to develop creative talents and to gain particular abilities. This
practice promotes spiritual and physical development of person as a whole and,
therefore also the evolution of mankind as embodied by the species of Homo Sapiens. This is the direction
taken by elements of practically all schools of Qigong, but at the same time
this system is free of any religious overtones and has no ideological aims
whatsoever. For this reason, people of all worldviews can practice Qigong, as
it will not be in conflict with their beliefs.”
The practice of Qigong
is based on the same ideas and concepts as traditional Chinese medicine – body
as a system of energy channels, the life energy Qi flowing through these
channels, the doctrine of Yin and Yang, and the Wu Xing system of five basic
elements. However, unlike in the medical approach, we work with the physical
body, energy and information by assuming certain static or dynamic postures,
self-massaging parts of body and creating images or working with consciousness.
This holistic and
highly effective methodology of self-regulation has been passed on for
generations since ancient times. It is simple and easy to apply practically,
facilitates the development of those personal abilities and skills that arise
from the human nature and have a broad significance, namely:
· Enhancing the vitality of internal organs
and normalizing their functions;
· Renewal of the programs for proper
functioning of all systems in the body;
· Eliminating mental stress and increasing
stress resistance;
· Improving the resistance of organism to
all external and internal negative factors;
· Raising the amount of energy and mobilizing
the vital force;
· Achieving general healing and reversal of
aging.
The effectiveness
of Qigong is now widely recognized and these methods are practiced throughout
the world, resulting in founding of the World Academic Society of Medical
Qigong in 1993 and the organization of annual international conferences
featuring such speakers as noted physicians, researchers in the field of wellness,
leading experts from scientific institutes, practicioners of Yoga, Qigong, and
similar directions, as well as many other specialists from various areas of
knowledge.
The study of
Zhong Yuan Qigong system is part of the required program and is an important
component of healing and regeneration. Certified instructors from various
countries offer group and individual classes. The list of specialists is
available here:
http://kundawell-jurmala.com/specialists/zhong-yuan-qigong-instructors/