Qigong: Meditation and So Much More

Qigong is a popular Chinese practice that is deeply rooted in not only this culture's martial arts and religious practices, but also its medical community. Qigong utilizes the Chinese philosophies and practices of aligning breath, physical movement, and healthy living to create what followers believe to be one of the most effective modes of illness treatment and prevention. Pronounced "chi-kung", it focuses heavily on the concept of qi ("chi"), the internal energy that is found in everyone. Chinese medicine believes that illness is caused by an imbalance in one's qi, and in order to get well, balance must be restored.

Since the concept of qi is prevalent throughout most Chinese practices, qigong is often a staple in many aspect of Eastern life and there are many different techniques. Qigong is used heavily in tai chi, moving meditation, medicinal practices, religious rituals, and is even believed to be able to be used in healing the energies of others who have fallen ill.

Like most other parts of Chinese medicine, qigong is considered to be preventative. Health is in the hands of the individual, and it is up to each person to maintain balance in their lives to avoid illness caused by disrupted qi. By practicing rituals that involve the use of qigong, such as martial arts, meditation, yoga, tai chi, healing,and many other techniques, supporters believe that you can maintain and improve your health and work to live the most balanced and healthy life possible.