What is Qi Gong?
Qi Gong (pronounced “chee-gong”) is a form of traditional Chinese exercise that combines physical movements, breathing techniques, and meditation. It is one of the oldest and most complete systems of Chinese health care, dating back to more than 5,000 years ago. The word Qi Gong is made up of two Chinese characters: "Qi" which means life energy, and "Gong" which means cultivation or skill. Therefore, Qi Gong can be translated as the skill of cultivating life energy.
Artist’s imagining of Lao Tzu, one of the earliest known Taoist philosophers.
Historical Roots
Qi Gong has its roots in ancient Chinese philosophy and traditional Chinese medicine. The earliest records of Qi Gong can be traced back to the Zhou Dynasty (1046-256 BCE), where it was used as a form of martial arts training. Qi Gong continued to evolve throughout the following dynasties, and it became more focused on health maintenance and disease prevention.
During the Tang Dynasty (618-907 CE), Qi Gong was recognized as a distinct medical specialty, and it was used to treat various illnesses. Qi Gong masters were highly respected, and their knowledge was passed down from generation to generation.
Modern Usage
In modern times, Qi Gong is used for a variety of purposes, including stress management, anxiety relief, pain reduction, and overall health and wellness. It is commonly practiced in China, and it has also gained popularity in the Western world.
Qi Gong has been incorporated into some hospitals and clinics as a complementary therapy to support conventional medical treatments. Some studies have shown that Qi Gong can help reduce stress and anxiety, lower blood pressure, and improve overall physical and mental well-being.
Studies on Physiological Benefits of Qi Gong
Several studies have investigated the physiological benefits of practicing Qi Gong. A study published in the Journal of Psychosomatic Research found that practicing Qi Gong can improve the immune system's function and reduce stress levels in healthy individuals. Another study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that Qi Gong can help reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety in patients with Parkinson's disease.
Qi Gong has also been found to be effective in reducing symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). A study published in the Journal of Trauma & Dissociation found that practicing Qi Gong can help reduce symptoms of PTSD, such as anxiety and hyperarousal.
Qi Gong is a traditional Chinese exercise that combines physical movements, breathing techniques, and meditation. With it’s long tradition, Qi Gong has evolved into a form of health care that focuses on disease prevention and health maintenance. In modern times, Qi Gong is used for stress management, anxiety relief, pain reduction, and overall health and wellness. Studies have shown that practicing Qi Gong can have physiological benefits, including improving the immune system's function, reducing stress and anxiety levels, and reducing symptoms of depression, anxiety, and PTSD.
At ACU 585, we incorporate QI Gong as a part of most of our acupuncture treatments and offer full QI Gong therapy sessions. We also teach beginners classes, please feel free to keep up with us here on the website and via social media for updates on upcoming classes!
