I published blogs on the subject of Qigong in 2019 and 2020. The focus of this blog is Qigong’s gain in popularity in the recent past, especially in the United States. This fairly recent popularity may be due to many different reasons.
Master Jesse Tsao, author of Practical Tai Chi Training, states that non-government Qigong was under tight control during the Cultural Revolution (1966-1970). During the 1980s, it became more popular in China as a daily morning exercise. In 1999, the Chinese government took control of Qigong and closed Qigong hospitals, clinics, and many groups. Qigong continues to be strictly regulated by The Chinese Health Qigong Association, which was established in 2000. The Association maintains a list of specific state-approved forms. As well, many cultural and language barriers existed and still exist when it comes to what Bruce Frantzis calls “Western Awareness”.
Qigong was highlighted in the 1998 documentary, "Qigong - Ancient Chinese Healing for the 21st Century" by Francesco Garri Garripoli. The documentary aired on PBS-TV and was watched by over 88 million Nielson-certified viewers. The documentary sparked public interest in the United States. As noted above, this was just before 1999 the Chinese government took control of Qigong in 1999.
Most readers are aware that Qigong is older than (some say the Mother or even the Grandmother of) Tai Chi. Its roots date back over 3,000 years in ancient China. The focus is on finding and correcting any disharmony, stagnation, excess or deficient energy flows in the body using the “complementary and opposing forces” of Yin and Yang. The result is a balanced flow of Qi energy and a healthier mind and body.
Qigong can be either dynamic (slow flowing movements) or static (still positions with only inner breath movement). There are many different methods, styles, and “forms”. Evidently the Shanghai QiGong Research Institute identified over 1,200 distinct systems! Each style has one or more areas of focus. As always, there are many different opinions, interpretations, and beliefs regarding Qigong.
According to the Earl E. Bakken Center for Spirituality and Healing at the University of Minnesota, there are two types of Qigong:
Wai Dan (External Elixir) involves physical movement and concentration
Nei Dan (Internal Elixir) involves sitting meditation and guided imagery or visualization
Although not everyone would agree, the Center believes that there are three different types of Qigong “meditation”:
Moving meditation is the most popular form. A student learns the physical movements, followed by the flow within the postures, the movements, patterns of breathing, and transitions of one posture to another.
Still meditation: Postures are held for a period of time in order to strengthen limbs and increase Qi flow.
Sitting meditation: The focus here involves breath, body, and mind integration.
The Bakken Center also states that there are three Qigong categories: Medical, Martial, and Spiritual. However, there are other “experts” (such as Anthony Korahais, author of Flowing Zen) who feel that all Qigong is medical Qigong!
Qigong has continued to evolve over the years and different forms have gained popularity. According to Bruce Frantzis, “traditional and complete internal martial arts of” Tai Chi, Xingyquan, and Bagua are “advanced forms of Qigong”.
According to the Taoist Sanctuary of San Diego, the main principles of Qigong are breath, movement, posture, concentration/visualization, and relaxation. Depending on the style, one (or more) of the principles may be emphasized, while the others (though active) will have lesser emphasis.
Let’s examine a few of the benefits and possible reasons for its popularity.
Qigong is considered a branch of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Research studies and anecdotal information show the efficacy of Qigong. This is perhaps another reason for it’s acceptance by Western medicine and mental health practitioners, as well as the general public. TCM practitioners and a growing number of Western health practitioners, believe that many physical problems are caused or aggravated by either emotional or mental stress. If your Qi (life energy) is not balanced or regulated, stress can cause negative thinking, depression, anger, despair, and “monkey mind”. Qigong helps decrease or eliminate many of these negative symptoms.
Qigong is not a religious practice even though it is based on Taoism. The Taoists used Qigong to make their bodies healthier and their mind and emotions clear, calm, and balanced. That being said, there is a spiritual component to Qigong. All Taoist spiritual practice begins with the practice of Qigong, and there are some practitioners who’s goal is to “become one with the Tao”. There are practitioners who seek to understand the energy as related to their thoughts, emotions, and spirit. They also may seek to understand meditation and emptiness. Other practitioners are only interested in the health and/or martial aspects.
Qigong can calm your “monkey” or agitated mind, eliminate or at least decrease your negative emotions, and “strengthen your nerves”. It also can clear blocked Qi energy and improve your health.
Because Qigong movements are separate and the purpose is not to memorize them, new practitioners may be drawn to Qigong instead of Tai Chi. Qigong is also easier to learn than Tai Chi. Note, however, that many martial artists use Qigong as a warm up exercise.
Qigong is a mindful practice and mindfulness has become the “buzz word” over the last few years. I am not being flippant about Qigong being in vogue. I believe that mindful practices have surged in popularity the last few years, possibly due to all the stress and uncertainty encountered in our everyday life. I need not enumerate all the issues those of us in the US are dealing with. I’m sure you are more than aware! Each country or areas in the world are dealing with similar and/or different stressors!
Benefits
As a mindful practice, Qigong coordinates body movement and breathing. The result is internal energy enhancement, improved circulation, and an improved Yin and Yang balance. This makes people healthier by preventing disease and/or improving function.
According to Master Jesse Tsao, PhD, the main purpose of Qigong is to “refresh and balance the internal energy to prevent disease”. Tai Chi’s goal, on the other hand, is to maintain a healthy body even though each posture “involves the concept of self-defense against an opponent.”
According to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Qigong (which is considered a low-intensity exercise), can reduce pain, fatigue, anxiety, stress, hypertension, and improve breathing, and mental and motor functioning. Clinical studies indicate that Qigong improves anxiety, mood, fibromyalgia, balance, quality of life, posture, endurance, respiratory function, numbness, dizziness, inflammation, and cognitive function. At Sloan Kettering, they do caution Oncology patients that Qigong is NOT a cancer treatment, even thought it does alleviate many of their associated symptoms.
Personal note: As a Certified Tai Chi and Qigong Instructor, Qigong is a vital part of my current (and ongoing) personal practice. Many Qigong instructors believe that it takes a motivated student with strong intent to derive all (or at least most) of the benefits of Qigong practice. “Regular” and consistent practice activates the body’s “self-healing” abilities.
As with any worthwhile endeavor, there is no magic bullet or quick fix that some new students are seeking. Even though it is very enjoyable, it does take work and dedication!
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