What is Chi Kung?

Chi Kung literally means "Cultivation of Life Force Energy" and refers to a Chinese system of exercise that improves health and longevity by focusing the intent on cultivating and attracting "Chi" or "Life Force" energies. It has been one of the best-kept secrets in the world.

We don't know exactly how old Chi Kung is.  Chinese manuscripts say it may date back anywhere from 2,000 to 10,000 years. Some believe that Chi Kung came from prehistoric times in ancient China 10,000 years ago from the ceremonial tribal dance called the "Great Dance".  Today Chi Kung is recognized as one of the earliest branches of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

For thousands of years Chi Kung was one of the best-kept secrets in China. Only at the end Ming – Ching Dynasties (1368 –1912 AD) did the wall of secrecy that surrounded Chi Kung practices begin to fade away, and then become available to everyone willing to learn.

There are different Chi Kung schools, styles and exercises. In fact, anything you do with the intention of benefiting your energy can be considered to be Chi Kung.  Actually, Chi Kung practices used to be a part of TCM and a doctor of Chinese Medicine could prescribe his client specific exercises to balance the flow of Chi in the organs and systems, and as a result bring the body into homeostasis.

There are countless forms and styles of Chi Kung.  Some are based on major philosophical traditions such as Taoism, Buddhism and Confucianism; others were developed to achieve specific results like healing (Medical Chi Kung), martial power (Martial Arts), spiritual insight (Spiritual Chi Kung).

Within China, Chi Kung is generally practiced in two major categories, Still and Moving. Still Chi Kung is often known as Internal Chi Kung. Still Chi Kung puts emphasis on external stillness of the body and motionless meditation, while combining internal concentration and regulation of breathing with internal circulation of Chi. All of this can be approached in sitting, standing or supine Postures.

Moving Chi Kung includes external movement of the body under the conscious direction of the mind, combined with relaxation and rhythmic breathing that is  synchronized with bodily motion. It is also known as External Chi Kung.  Tai Chi and Tao Yin belongs to this category.  All Chi Kung exercises based on common principals- mental focus, relaxation and breath.

Chi Kung "regulates the body" through posture, "regulates the mind" through relaxation and concentration, and “regulates the breath" through self-massage and movement of the limbs.

There are five major benefits of any Chi Kung practice:

Preservation of health
Promotion of self-healing
Improved longevity
Increased physical strength
Cultivation of spiritual awareness and enlightenment

Chi Kung and Tai Chi practices promise to become the next big wave in alternative medicine and are already making a greater impact on our approach to self-care.