What is Qigong and its Origins?

What is Qigong and its Origins?
========================
Qigong, pronounced 'chi kung' is an ancient Chinese
exercise and body healing technique, with overtones of
spirituality, that has been developing for more than 3000
years.

China is recognized as having the oldest sophisticated and
cultured civilization known to man.

Many modern treatments for physical and mental ailments
have their origins in ancient Chinese healing practices
that have been recognized as effective by Western medical
practitioners.

Most people will be aware of both the Chinese technique of
Acupunture and the many comprehensive Chinese herbal
remedies and tonics now readily available in the West.

The recognition in the West of the practice and art of
Qigong is now also growing rapidly as more and more schools
and trainers offer their expertise.

In the last thirty years Qigong has been known to have been
practiced by groups up to thirty thousand strong in Chinese
stadiums.

The earliest known practitioner of Qigong was Hua Tao
(circa 150 A.D.) known as the first famous Chinese surgeon.

When Hua Tao advised a General who had consulted him to
have an operation the General suspected that Hua Tao was
out to murder him and ordered his execution.

It is believed that Qigong had its' beginnings in the
ancient practice of sorcery and ritual dances which led
eventually to a documented systematic approach that has
been continued to be developed to the present day by,
amongst others, Taoists, Buddhists Confucians and
practitioners of Chinese martial arts.

`Qi', translated from the Mandarin, means Life Force,
Breath or Life Energy and 'Gong' is Dedicated Practice,
Work or Technique and this gives a meaning that the
exercise is a combination of breathing techniques combined
with bodily movements.

Using slow and graceful movements and at the same time
practicing controlled and coordinated breathing patterns
boosts the flow of 'Qi', the vital life force that gives a
feeling of inner tranquility and provides the healing and
regenerative energies needed by the body.

Qigong is an aspect of Chinese medicine that is principally
practiced for maintaining good health but it is also taught
as a healing technique and is often allied with martial
arts training. There are over three thousand different
styles and schools of Qigong known throughout the world,
some make convincing and more often than not unproven
claims to have remarkable healing and curative successes.

Others are recognized by Western and Chinese medical
practitioners as having benefits to the health of body and
mind through controlled exercise leading to stress
reduction and physical well being.

Since the nineteen fifties' research into Qigong has been
ongoing in both the West and East.

Chinese hospitals have recognized Qigong as a standard
medical technique since1989 and the Chinese government
officially implemented Qigong management regulations when
adding the technique to their National Health Plan.

Work has been done that suggests that some aspects of
Qigong can have very beneficial effects on the joints,
balance and prevention of falls amongst the elderly.

The curriculae of some medical universities include Qigong
courses and offer Batchelor and Master degrees in the
subject.

As so often in this day of the fast buck there are so
called schools, teachers and practitioners of Qigong that
make unfounded claims of their expertise and the benefits
of joining their set up, for a fee of course, so be wary,
ask questions and check out the answers before parting with
any cash.

Caveat emptor and carry out due diligence!

However there are very many highly skilled, qualified and
totally committed believers actively engaged in the
business of helping others to achieve the benefits of the
ancient and proven Qigong route to bringing harmony to body
and mind.

----------------------------------------------------
Jaks Lloyd is a former photographic fashion model. She now
lives in Spain and indulges her creative talents by writing
and building innovative authority websites.
http://www.hotexercise.com
http://www.eyebeautytips.com