Qi, pronounced chee means breath or life energy in Chinese.  Other cultures describe similar concepts such as prana, pneuma, mana and even the Force depicted in Star Wars resemble the notion of Qi.  Gong means skill.  These two words are combined to describe an ancient Chinese system for cultivating and manipulating this life energy, especially for health and longevity.

 

The term QiGong did not become a part of modern Chinese vocabulary until the second have of the last century.  Its precursor was a form of yoga-like breathing postures called DaoYin recorded around two thousand years ago.  DaoYin is made up of two characters, Dao which means to guide, and Yin which means to lead.  Guiding and leading refers to the techniques of manipulating life energy within the energetic pathways in the body.  DaoYin became associated with Taoist practitioners as they were one of the first groups of people in ancient China to promote healthy life style practices to enhance longevity.

 

What is the Difference between QiGong and Yoga?

QiGong/DaoYin differs from Yoga in that QiGong is Chinese while Yoga is Indian.  QiGong draws on traditional Chinese medicine while Yoga draws on Ayurvedic medicine.  Rather than working with prana energy and chakras in Yoga, QiGong works with Qi energy, stretch acupuncture channels and stimulate acupuncture points.  Yoga typically requires a mat, while QiGong is almost always done standing, although seated styles do exist, it is relatively less common.  QiGong integrates gentle slow movements with meditation, breathing techniques, visualization, vocalization, stretching and massage based on the theories of traditional Chinese medicine.

 

The Pros

Modern research support the health benefit of QiGong in the following areas:

• ·Stress reduction (for different stress related conditions e.g. hypertension)
• ·Improve bone density and balance (prevent falls & reduce injury)
• ·Enhance endocrine gland function (adrenal, insulin, thyroid etc)
• ·Improve immune system
• ·Rehabilitation therapy (post-stroke)
• ·Adjunctive therapy (cancer support)

The Cons

Improper QiGong training, called Qi Deviation, can lead to mental disorders.  QiGong practitioners call this ZouHuoRuMo (Walk Fire Enter Mara), while psychiatric professionals call this QiGong psychosis which is similar to Kundalini Syndrom in Yoga.  Western psychiatric professionals do not view erroneous QiGong practice as the cause of psychosis but rather as a precipitating stressor for a latent psychotic disorder to which the patient is predisposed.  QiGong practitioners advocate correct guidance from a competent teacher to avoid the improper training that can lead to Qi Deviations.

 

QiGong Training

 

Some well-know basic level QiGong forms are:

-Eight Section Brocade (8 stretching exercises to benefit the internal organs)

-Tendon Changing Classic (12 stretching exercises to lengthen & strengthen the tendon)

-Five Animal Frolic (Exercise that imitates the movement of different animals to benefit each of the 5 major organs)

-Six Healing Sounds (Exhalation of specific sounds to benefit different organs in the body)

I teach the above foundation levels exercise as preparation for intermediate training such as:

-Taoist DaoYin

-Taoist Talismanic QiGong

-Taoist Five Element Walking QiGong

-Taoist Nourishing Life QiGong

-Taoist Standing Postures

-Taoist Self-Massage QiGong

 

If you’re interested in QiGong but have any questions or you are concerned about whether it is appropriate for your fitness level, please contact the clinic to schedule a free 15 minute question and answer session.

 

Class information

Place: Six Degrees Self-Serve Yoga Studio.  204 Spadina Ave, 2nd Floor (North of Queen St. West, on the West side of Spadina).

Time: Wednesday 7:15-8:45pm

For information please contact 905-513-6888 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Pay-what-you-can fee structure.  Your donations are remitted to the Daoist Foundation, a charitable organization committed to education and preserving Daoist culture.

 

 

Reference:

D. Sancier, K. Holman.  Multi-faceted Health Benefits of Medical QiGong. Journal of Alternative & Complementary Medicine 2004; 10(1): 163-166