(Pronounced chee-gung)

Qigong is an integrated mind-body healing method that has been used in China for thousands of years.  Some scholars estimate its practice to be 5,000 or more years old.  Traditionally, the Chinese have used Qigong to heal as well as prevent disease, more recently, they have used it in conjunction with modern medicine to treat cancer, immune system disorders, and other life-threatening conditions. 

Qi is the Chinese term for the life energy which exists in all living things.  The term gong refers to work – or an accomplishment achieved through steady practice.  Loosely translated, Qigong means working with life energy. 

The goal of Qigong practice is to balance and strengthen qi in the body to improve health, strengthen the body, and prevent illness.  This is done by using posture, breathing techniques, movement, and meditation.  A common concept in both Chinese Medicine and Qigong is that qi flows through the body along certain channels.  In Acupuncture, points on these channels are stimulated to affect the flow of qi to promote healing and restore balance.  Likewise, Qigong techniques are used to improve the balance and flow of qi throughout the body. 

Qigong techniques have been passed down through families over generations, and there are more than 3000 varieties.  There are Qigong techniques suitable for everyone.  Even techniques that are done standing can be practiced seated or lying down with slight adjustments.  Qigong does not require large amounts of time or money – there is no need for special equipment or a large space to workout. 

Jeanette Morris is a certified instructor of One Thousand Hands Buddha Qigong – a self-healing method developed over several generations by the Liu Family.  It is performed in a sitting posture.  Its practice is intended to fortify energy, calm the heart, eliminate fear and suffering in our daily lives, and to fight stress and maintain memory function.

For more information on Dr. Liu Dong and Master Liu He please visit http://www.linggui.org/

Ancient Chinese Medicine for Modern American Health!