Qigong - A Guided Therapy

Introduction

Qigong is a traditional Chinese practice that can support the body, mind, and spirit. It is based on Chinese medicine and philosophy. Like other traditional Chinese practices, qigong is based on the concept that qi (the systemic circulation life force) flows through the body. Qi that becomes blocked and unsteady can cause health problems.

What Is Qigong?

Qigong means "life energy cultivation." It is a systematic methodology of organized body posture and movement, meditation, and breathing, used for holistic mind-body well-being, spiritual growth, and training in martial arts. Qigong has root systems in traditional Chinese medicine, martial arts, and philosophy, and is traditionally regarded as a practice for cultivating and balancing qi (chi), which translates as "life energy." Qigong practice typically consists of slow-flowing motion, deep-tempo breathing, and a calm meditative mind state. Qigong includes four components: body postures, meditation, and breathing techniques using guided imagery.

What Are the Types of Qigong?

All qigong practitioners, in general, implement techniques and exercises from all three categories; the only different thing is their intense focus. Qigong has many forms and styles, but they all fall into one of three categories:

1. Medical Qigong: This has been the most common of the three options. It is the most ancient of the four departments of traditional Chinese medicine. It serves as the energetic foundation for Chinese massage (tui na), acupuncture (a complementary medicine system in which fine syringes are introduced into the skin at particular points along what are thought to be energy lines and used to treat various physical and emotional ailments), as well as natural remedies. As a result, qigong shares the theoretical foundations of traditional Chinese medicine and utilizes similar diagnostic and treatment techniques. Medical qigong is classified into two types. Self-healing qigong is when people practice qigong exercises to improve their health, reduce disease risk, and treat illness. External qigong, also known as qi emission, is when qigong practitioners release qi to heal others. An excellent qigong practitioner will usually prescribe specific exercises to help regulate qi to release qi for healing. The patients implement these qigong workouts into their daily practice and receive training from the qigong practitioner.

2. Martial Qigong: This form of qigong highlights physical strength. Practitioners of martial qigong can split bricks, place sharp objects in sensitive areas of their bodies without damaging the skin, bend steel wires, and withstand the physical effects of baseball bats. Martial qigong professionals can perform physical feats that modern science considers impossible.

3. Spiritual Qigong: To achieve spirituality, this type of qigong employs mantras, sitting meditations, mudras (hand positions), and prayers. Buddhism has had a significant influence on these techniques. Spiritual qigong promotes self-awareness, peacefulness, and unity with nature and oneself. Spiritual practitioners develop their qi to a significantly deeper level, collaborating with many internal body functions. They practice gaining the power of their body, mind, and spirit to break free from the reincarnation (a new form of something in the past) cycle.

What Are the Types of Techniques Used in Qigong?

Qigong combines the practices to promote health and digestion, boost the immune system, and reduce headaches, stuffy noses, aches and pains, and stress, to name a few. Qigong practice is classified into two types:

1. Wai Dan Technique: This technique requires physical movement as well as concentration. Beginners in qigong should first learn physical movements coordinated with breathing techniques. They work through exercises until each motion or body position is perfected. Once they have mastered the form, they must seek out the delicate flow or sudden change of power generation within the body posture, movements, and breathing habits. Transformation is recognized as moving meditation.

2. Nei Dan Technique: Many postures are held for extended periods during the exercises. These postures are used in yoga. They are used to improve arms and legs and increase energy flow. These postures are categorized as sitting meditation.

What Are the Benefits of Qigong?

Qigong has a lot of advantages. Research supports some of these, such as better walking and balance as well as lower levels of stress. Other potential advantages include a decreased risk of chronic illness and increased concentration. A few benefits are described below in detail:

1. Increases Balance: Body awareness, or the knowledge of the body in space, is improved by the slow, controlled movements of qigong, which also improve flexibility, balance, and muscular strength. The younger population can benefit from qigong's improved balance. After practicing qigong once a week for eight weeks, thirty participants between the ages of 18 and 75 exhibited a 16.3 % rise in stability ratings. The control group showed no modifications. People of all ages may safely practice qigong; thus, it might be a useful and pleasurable way to increase balance and reduce the danger of falling.

2. Lowers Stress and Anxiety: Meditation, regulated gentle movements, and breathing are all components of qigong; they have all been shown to lessen anxiety and stress symptoms. Calm, controlled breathing triggers the parasympathetic nerve system, known as the "rest and digest" system, which tells the body there is no immediate danger. It also slows down the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis (the complex network of neuroendocrine channels and feedback loops known as the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis that controls the equilibrium of the body's systems), a part of the body's stress response mechanism. Additionally, adding qigong to one's routine has been associated with a higher quality of life since it reduces stress, boosts self-efficacy, and improves physical health. Still, more thorough research is required. Including qigong in the weekly or daily schedule may help people handle life's challenges more effectively.

3. Low Risk of Chronic Disease: Qigong is a moderate kind of exercise that focuses on relaxed, meditative breathing. Together, these factors may lessen the physical strain on the body, boost blood flow, and enhance general fitness, which could minimize the chance of developing chronic diseases. For type 2 diabetes and heart disease, qigong has been demonstrated to reduce risk and treat symptoms. But even before qigong could be suggested as a conventional treatment, specialists insist that bigger, more thorough studies are required. Most people may do so without risk in addition to the medical treatments they are now receiving from their doctor.

4. Improves Focus: Due to daily activities, many individuals find it difficult to concentrate on work. Focusing on the breath, body, and mind is necessary for qigong. Regular practice of qigong can teach people how to control their thoughts more effectively, which can help them focus and concentrate better. Despite the various advantages of qigong, a more thorough investigation is required.

What Are the Side Effects of Qigong?

No data supports any significant adverse consequences linked to qigong. As with any activity, there is a chance that someone might trip and hurt themselves. However, compared to more active types of exercise, the risk of injury may be decreased with qigong since it involves calm, controlled motions. Furthermore, no research has demonstrated that qigong can replace conventional medical therapies. Therefore, it is crucial to get medical attention for any health issue. A few side effects are described below:

• It may lead to headaches and dizziness.

• It may cause congestion in the chest.

• It may cause shortness of breath.

• It may cause muscle pain.

Conclusion

The traditional focus of qigong is on the body, mind, and spirit. It is derived from traditional Chinese medicine and philosophy, and its goal is to guarantee that a person's qi, or life energy, flows freely throughout their body. Due to its focus on mindfulness, breathing techniques, and physical movement, some experts think qigong may positively affect physical and mental health. There is, however, a lack of thorough study on the technique. Some people may discover that qigong keeps them going, healthy, and active, decreases stress, and improves chronic symptoms like pain. However, if a person has any troubling or chronic symptoms, they should always consult a doctor.