Qigong ~ A Practice for Health & Longevity
Qigong is a study of the energy of the whole universe, which includes physics, chemistry, psychology, biology, astrology, electricity, and medicine. Qigong, the cornerstone of traditional Chinese medicine, has been practiced in China for over five thousand years.
“Qi” or “chi” (pronounced Chee) means air or breath, vital energy, or the Universal Force that forms all animate and inanimate things. This complex energy substance, fundamental to life itself, is comprised of an informational message and its carrier energy. “Gong” means work, the function and benefit of this energy, or self-discipline leading to the art of mastery. Qigong teaches you to use your mind, body, and spirit together to unblock energy and balance Yin and Yang energy in the body.
Energy Blockages in the Meridians
Once a blockage is formed, energy cannot flow freely in our energy channels. These energy channels, or meridians run throughout the body to keep it fully functioning. There are twelve main channels and eight reservoir channels. Each channel serves a specific purpose and function. The main channels carry energy to wherever energy is needed in the body. Extra energy in the main channels flows to the reservoir channels. The body draws on energy in the reservoir channels when the main channels run low.
Blockages in the main and reservoir channels prevent energy from getting to all parts of the body. When body functioning slows down or stops, we feel sick. If we want to get well, we have to remove those blockages and open channels, this rebalances the Yin and Yang energy. If we want to live a long and healthy life we have to live in such a way as to keep our Qi reserves full and balanced and not squander our reserves by letting all of energy dissipate through our senses. Qigong, stillness (meditation) and living simply help to minimize this loss of vitality.
Formula for Health and Longevity
Ancient Qi masters developed a formula for health and longevity based on the Qi:
Inner Harmony = Qi Flow = Health and Longevity
This formula is the foundation of all Chinese medicine, acupuncture, and herbal medicine. Concepts in Western science such as coherence, resonance, and integrated body/mind function are parallel to the concept of harmony in China. In the West science points to numerous forms of flow including blood, lymph, brain chemical distribution, nerve transmission, and the movement of ions.
When they added the capacity to purposefully cultivate inner harmony through personal practices the ancients created this formula:
Practice + Intention = Inner Harmony = Qi Flow + Health and Longevity.
Qigong helps keep our energy balanced and flowing. Shiatsu is a tool which is used to help others to keep their energy balanced and flowing, thus maintaining Inner Harmony, Qi Flow, Health and Longevity.