On the surface, most Qi Gong looks similar to Tai Chi. They use natural, physical movements with breathing, visualization, and mental concentration, just like Tai Chi. In actual fact Tai Chi is a form of Qi Gong!

The term Qi Gong (pronounced "chee gung" - sometimes spelled "chi kung") literally means "energy practice." It refers to an entire family of practices for health, fitness, energy development, and stress relief.

Qi Gong includes more than just movement exercises like Tai Chi. It also includes standing and sitting meditations, massage, therapeutic healing techniques, and other health and energy-building practices.

Qi Gong is also sometimes referred to as "Chinese yoga."

Qi Gong refers to exercises to improve health and longevity, increasing harmony within oneself and in the world. There are thousands of such exercises. All Qi Gong excercises encompass mind, eyes, movement and breath.   

Mind is presence of intention,
Eyes are focus of intention,
Movement is action of intention,  
Breath is flow of intention.

This is the core of Qi Gong and it takes years of practice to begin to truly grasp their significance.

Healing with Chi

Recent articles have emphasized the use of Qi energy for healing others. This is referred to as "External Qi Healing," (External Qi Kung) or Chi Sao. Qi energy is directed through the hands or eyes towards the patient.

Often, "miraculous" improvements in health are cited as a result of a Qi Gong practitioner working with an ill person. External Qi healing is historically one of the main applications of Qi energy cultivation.

There are also numerous levels and depths of this healing ability. Certain healers using externally-directed Qi seem to have better effects with some illnesses than others.

Ultimately it may be that to truly master the art of directing Qi in the healing process you must develop a wide spectrum of abilities and be able to apply them in a variety of types of imbalances in body, emotions, mind, soul and spirit.

The Path of Qi Gong

The ultimate goal of all Qi Gong is harmonious existence and action in all situations. This level of achievement approaches Mastery. The elements that characterize this level of experience include: curiosity, ease in action, clarity of focus and intention, perseverance, non-attachment, resilience, openness, creativity, responsiveness and fluid balance.

Also, Mastery shows not in someone knowing everything, but rather someone willing to continue learning regardless of their level of achievement.

Finally, although you may find books or teachers professing to teach you the secrets of Qi Gong and the power of it's applications, it always comes down to what you, yourself are willing to practice and experience.

The layers are there for you to explore when you make yourself available for the learning. At the same time, it doesn't hurt to learn whatever you can from those who have stepped through the doors before you.

In the words of the Zen poet, Basho, "Do not seek to follow in the footsteps of the men of old, seek what they sought."

Resources:
A Chi Kung (Qi Gong) Primer
by Bruce Eichelberger M.T.O.M., O.M.D. (China), L.Ac., Dipl.Ac. (NCCAOM) http://acupuncture.com/QiKung/ChiPri.htm

The Mind-Body Secrets of Tai Chi and QigongBy: Al Simon http://www.naturalhealthweb.com/articles/simon1.html

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