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A Brief Guide to Qigong Practice
Longfei News Letters - Volume 3, Issue 2

Part 5 by Professor Zhao Bao Feng

In the past four issues of the Newsletter we have looked at the background and theory of Qigong.

In this issue we continue looking at the general rules and principles of Qigong practise and the methods of Daoyin Yangsheng Gong.

The new development of Qi Gong

Qi Gong is thought to be more than 5,000 years old, as evidenced by various relics. More than 2,000 years ago Qi Gong was systemised, which led to a number of schools developing.

  • Inspiration/Experation (Tuna)

  • Fang Sheng (Animal Movements) Ü five animal play

  • Taoist (School of Circulation)

  • Zen (Buddhist). Relatively new to China (approximately 1,900 years old). Not especially popular because it was more for mental development rather than health.

300-500 years ago Qi Gong began to be combined with Tai Ji and Wushu for health and medical rehabilitation.

The scientific development of Qi Gong began around 1950.

Medical Qi Gong

  1. There must be a posture.

  2. There must be a breathing technique.

  3. There must be mind training/mental focus/concentration.

  4. It must include diet/nutrition.

  5. Yang Sheng - nourishing Shen (Spirit). Regulates life through philosophy/mentality/speech.

Dao Yin is the most ancient Qi Gong. It was divided into three schools respectively characterised by:

  • Movement

  • Concentration

  • Breath Control - including six healing sounds.

A good teacher is important. Concentrating on a few forms are better than trying to learn too many.

The relationship between
Qi Gong and Medicine

The Development of the Concept

Pre-1950, the term "Qi Gong" was not in the Chinese dictionary. Instead the term "Dao Yin" was used. In general, this sort of exercise was limited to the intellectual classes.

The term "Qi Gong" was introduced by Professor Liu Guizhen in order to popularise practise.

The term is very appropriate:
Qi is concerned with:

  • Breathing

  • Moving Energy

  • Exercising the Organs.

"Gong" is concerned with:

  • Strengthening the Function of the Organs

  • Developing the Condition of the Body

  • Special Physical Achievements.

Qi Gong may be divided into three levels:

  • Beginner

  • Intermediate

  • High.

The higher level is motionless, stressing more the breathing and concentration. In this higher level, the potential of the ability of human beings may be experienced.

Applications of Qi Gong

  1. Applications in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Research in China indicates that there are about 40 diseases which can be cured purely through the use of Qi Gong. In Europe, it is accepted that perhaps up to 10 diseases can be cured by Qi Gong alone:
    asthma, allergies, lumbago, sciatica, neck aches, menstrual regulation, early diabetes, gastric ulcers, hypertension,     coronary disease, impotence, weight loss.

  2. Applications for anti-ageing.

  3. Applications for WuShu - Hard Qi Gong.

  4. Applications for Modern Sport. Research seems to show that Qi Gong before competition improves performance.

  5. Applications in Philosophy and Religion. This links mainly with Taoist culture. The Tao Te Ching contains many references to Qi Gong.

  6. Applications in education. Qi Gong training improves concentration.

  7. Applications in Culture, e.g.: dance, painting, music.

  8. Applications in human body potential.

  9. Applications in Human Psychology. Promoting psycho-logical ability (mind over matter?)

  10. Applications in Acupuncture, Massage, Acupressure.

  11. Applications in Military and Space Science, e.g.: astronauts' training.

  12. Applications in Life. For improving the quality of life.

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