Qi Gong is a method to achieve enlightenment through the use of traditional Chinese medicine techniques, which include mind, breathing, and exercise.
Qi Gong (chi gung or chi kung) was born in Asia around 7000 years ago as a form of prayer and communion with nature. The Chinese character “Qi” means the flow of vital energy while the “Gong” means the work or the technique. Thus, Qi Gong can be translated by the work of vital energy or the art of circulating the vital energy. The Qi Gong Yoga style can be practiced for therapeutic purposes or for spiritual purposes.
What is Qi gong ?
The practice of Qi Gong proposes three processes of harmonization. These processes are: regulate the body, regulate the mind (heart) and regulate the breathing to harmonize the three treasures: essence (Jing), breath (Chi) and spirit (Shen) and allow to Wu (the emptiness) to integrate them. There are different techniques of Qi Gong, some with movement and others more static. But all of them bring huge benefits, as their practice relieves pain, eliminates stress, anxiety and helps to have more energy and vitality.
There are two types of Qi Gong practice:
Wai Dan (External Elixir) involves physical movement and concentration
Nei Dan (Internal Elixir) involves sitting meditation and guided imagery or visualization
According to the traditional teachings of Qi Gong, beginners first learn physical movements coordinated with breathing techniques. They practice a series of exercises (similar to Tai Chi) until each movement or posture is perfect. The next step is to find the subtle flow or fluctuation of energy in the postures, movements, breathing patterns and transitions. It’s called moving meditation. Moving meditation can be practiced with or without visualization. Visualization improves the scope of practice by guiding energy according to need.
More info about Qi Gong
Qi Gong healers practice the same basic techniques as any practitioner, but they have practiced so much that they master every movement, every breath, and every thought behind these techniques. Through effort (“gong”), Qi Gong healers gained a deeper understanding of the exercises and directed this effort toward learning to control Qi.
Those who have the ability to control Qi can issue Qi to heal others. This can be done in many ways depending on the healer. Qi Gong massage Handling tools (acupuncture needle or precious metals) Emitting Qi (placing hands several inches above the body and emitting Qi to eliminate negative influences and complete deficiencies).
Om yoga Casablanca and Marrakech are holding regularly some sessions of Qi gong and self-defense where participants are immersed into a deep initiation to self-defense techniques combined to the Qi Gong art of breathing control. Keep checking workshops page of omyoga.ma!
For the results to be visible and felt, it is recommended to practice these exercises as they are practiced in China. This means exercising the breathing and maintaining important strength work and focus on the body, especially the joints, tendons, and muscles.
Practiced this way, the effects of Qi GONG are fast and spectacular.