Chi Kung: Four Major Areas Of Application

Chi Kung is a powerful system of healing and energy medicine from China. It is the art and science of using breathing techniques, gentle movement, and meditation to cleanse, strengthen, and circulate the life energy (qi). Qigong practice leads to better health and vitality and a tranquil state of mind. Chi Kung has four major areas of application:

1. Healing Chi Kung (Yi Gong). Healing Chi Kung is the preventive and self-healing aspect of Chinese medicine. Stress is part of our everyday life. It teaches us how to control our reactions to stress so that life events do not cause such symptoms as high blood pressure, frustration, or anxiety. Ultimately, one will become super-healthy with daily Chi Kung practice.

2. External Qi Healing (Wai Qi Zhi Liao). Chi Kung involves a sophisticated system of health assessment and non-contact treatment called External Qi Healing (EQH). The healer learns to tap into this healing energy source and transfers it through his or her body. External Qi Healing techniques may be used as a stand alone form of wellness treatment or may be combined with massage, acupuncture, or any other form of body-work. It is generally performed at a distance from the body so it does not violate psychotherapists' professional ethics (which do not allow touching the patient) and is thus an ideal adjunct to body-centered psychotherapy.

3. Sports Qigong (Wu Gong). Chi Kung increases strength, stamina, coordination, speed, flexibility, balance, and resistance to injury; thus had great use in sports and martial arts. Chi Kung exercises can improve performance in any sport, improving the golf drive, tackling ability in football, accuracy in tennis, and stamina in swimming.

4. Spiritual Qigong (Fo Gong, Tao Gong). For spiritual development (evolving from Taoism and Buddhism), Chi Kung can be used as a tool for self-awareness, tranquillity, and harmony with nature.