Qi (气) and Qigong - The Foundation of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
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What is Qi in Traditional Chinese Medicine?
So, what is Qi? How is Qi related to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)? Where is it found in our body? And how does Qi work in our body?
I will share with you the basic information of Qi here and what has it got to do with TCM. I will also share information about Qigong, its health benefits and its healing effects. In this fast moving world, Qigong can help us by improving our stamina and making us more energetic. Being more energetic, doesn't it mean that we can earn more money?
So, are you ready to learn more?
Background of Traditional Chinese Medicine
TCM originated thousands of years ago.In Chinese myths, there is a great cultural hero called Huang Di (Yellow Emperor). He observed the sky, earth, nature, and the human body and set the foundation of what is now known as TCM.
The Yellow Emperor is identified in the legends of China as the one who first collected and formalised much of what became known as TCM now. The HuangDiNeiJing was said to be written by him.
The HuangDiNeiJing (The Yellow Emperor's Inner Canon) - SuWen and LingShu, and the ShenNong BenCaoJing (Classic of Herbal Medicine) are earliest classics of TCM passed on to the present.
During the Shang Dynasty of China, medical principles were still in very primitive form and were based on myths and legends, as well as their own experience. They used hot water and wine as medicine, and used needles and bronze knives for surgery.
There were noted advances in Chinese medicine during the Middle Ages such as during the Tang Dynasty.
Qi in Traditional Chinese Medicine
In TCM, a person's Qi flow can be used to diagnose illnesses. For example, the strength of the digestive organs is determined in relation to their qi by evaluating the patient's appetite, color of the tongue, strength of the pulse, and the body's response to nutrition.
Qi actually carries a deeper meaning, rather than just being known as energy or vital energy. Qi has 2 aspects: one is energy, power, or force; the other is conscious intelligence. Each of the Organ systems (in terms of TCM) in our body carries its own unique Qi.
Theories of TCM assert that the body has natural patterns of Qi that circulates in meridians, allowing it to perform unique functions, both physically and energetically.
Where is Qi found in?
Qi flows through meridians (energy pathways / channels) in our body. Meridians are not blood vessels. Twelve major meridians run though the body and it is over this network that Qi transmits messages from one organ to another. Qi controls the movement of our blood, guiding blood to a specific organ in our body. Hence, it leads to the saying "Qi is the commander of blood".The meridian system is like a giant web, linking different areas of the human body together. Its pathways form a body map that supplies Qi to every part of the body.
'Jing Luo' is the Chinese term for the meridian system. Keeping the meridians clear is imperative for the body's self-regulating actions to occur.
Symptoms of various illnesses are often believed to be the product of disrupted, blocked, or unbalanced Qi movement (interrupted flow) through the body's meridians, as well as deficiencies or imbalances of Qi (homeostatic imbalance) in the various Zang Fu organs.
Functions of Qi in our body
- Warming: Qi (Yang Qi) warms the body and regulates its temperature (plays a part in homeostasis)
- Controlling (movement): Qi is the source of all movements in the body, including thinking, growth and development, walking, breathing, and even talking. Qi moves the blood through the blood vessels, and therefore forming the saying that "Qi is the commander of the blood".
- Retention: Qi keeps the organs, tissues and substances in their appropriate places in the body. For example, it keeps the organs in their proper place, keeps blood within the vessels, and keeps body fluids inside the body. Hence, deficiency of Qi can lead to organs sagging (prolaspe), bleeding disorders, and excessive sweating or urination.
- Protection: Qi protects the body from disease-causing organisms and combats them when they manage to enter the body. Therefore, if a person's Qi is weak, that person may experience frequent illnesses.
- Transforming: Qi is the source of transformation and distribution in the body's systems. For example, Qi transforms food into Qi and blood, and air into energy.
Do you believe that there is 'Qi' flowing through our body?
Can you feel your Qi flowing?
Fetching blurbs now... please stand byYes!
AJ2000 says:
Most definitely and keeping it in balance and flowing is key! Something western culture should examine more closely!
Posted June 28, 2009
No...
Introductory video to Qigong
Qigong Master Projecting his Qi energy
What is Qigong?
Qigong (also spelled Chi Kung / Quigong / Chi gung) is a powerful system of healing and it smoothen your Qi energy in your body. It is the art of using breathing techniques, gentle movement, and meditation to cleanse, strengthen, and circulate the Qi.
Practising Qigong leads to better health,vitality and a tranquil state of mind. In the past, Qigong was also called Nei gong (inner work) and dao yin (guiding energy).
Qigong is the art to master the Qi energy in your body. When you practice Qigong, you learn to master the Qi energy in your body.
Health benefits of practising Qigong
My personal experience
After practising Qigong, probably after a month, you will be able to develop the sensitivity to feel the Qi flowing in your body. It feels like as if there is warm water flowing from your shoulder to your palms, with a bit of the feelings like ants crawling. You will feel that your palms are warm when you control your Qi. No, it won't feel ticklish, don't worry.
Said ArtSiren, "my favorite qigong is the San Ti posture of XingYi. It feels like getting goose-bumps, combined with 'pins and needles' sensation in the palms."
What's more, you can practise Qigong anywhere, anytime! (But do choose somewhere where the air is clean)
Products about Qigong on eBay
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Links of Useful Websites about Qi, Qigong and TCM.
Qigong Exercises
This website sells a book which provides beginners with simple exercises to follow, as well as much descriptions and informations.
Shen-nong
This is a useful website which provides detailed information about TCM, Chinese Herbs, the Yin Yang theory, the Five Elements theory and the Meridian System.
AcupunctureToday
Some information to prove that Qi flows in our body.
Are your legs as stable as his?
This is a Qigong master practising the Eight Pieces of Brocade
Qigong: Eight Piece Brocades Chi Kung
http://www.taichihealthways.com offer more video views of Master Jesse Tsao on Yang, Chen, Wu, Sun tai chi tyle and Tai Chi sword, broadsword, qigong (Chi gong)for internal energy healing, bio-energy, Shaolin and Wudang Kung-fu martial arts. Preview this instructional DVD. Master Tsao teaches this ancient Chinese Qigong practice in detail, with repetitions for each move.
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Recommended DVD: The 8 Pieces of Brocade
After practising the 8 Pieces of Brocade, i felt much more energetic. 'Sleepy' is no longer a term used to describe me. However, practising Qigong requires much discipline because you have to practise it everyday or your efforts will go down the drain.
If you are still not confident in practising Qigong, you could buy a book about Qigong and read up on it first. I have listed some favorite books voted by readers below which you could consider buying as the books contain information which is difficult or even impossible to find on the internet.
Eight Simple Qigong Exercises For Health - The Eight (8) Pieces of Brocade (YMAA) DVD
Amazon Price: $31.49 (as of 12/20/2009)
Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming instructs and demonstrates "the Eight Pieces of Brocade", one of the most popular sets of Chinese healing exercises. These gentle breathing, stretching and strengthening movements activate the Qi energy and blood circulation in your body, helping to stimulate your immune system, strengthen your internal organs, and give you abundant energy. With both a sitting and standing set, anyone can practice these simple and effective exercises in as little as 15-20 minutes a day.
"...thousands of illnesses vanish into dust..."
Known in China as the Ba Duan Jin, the Eight Pieces of Brocade has been practiced for over 1,000 years. Also included are the 'secret words' - poetry that has been used to pass this knowledge down from generation to generation, which contains the key to each of these ancient medical qigong movements.
Recommended DVD: Qigong Beginning Practice
The first disc contains its basic Qigong exercises. Each exercise is separated into different chapters in the DVD, hence you can view each exercise individually. This makes it very easy to search for the specific exercise you want to learn and practise, instead of viewing the whole DVD in order to find it. Therefore, it is also easy to repeat each single exercise in the DVD and view it as many times as you need to remember the steps, until you can finally do it by yourself.
The second disc is an award winning documentary (aired on PBS) about Qiqong.
Qigong Beginning Practice
Amazon Price: (as of 12/20/2009)
Our special 2-disk set includes insightful expert instruction in qigong technique PLUS our bonus documentary as seen on public television, revealing qigong's origins and scientific evidence of its power to heal, relieve and prevent common illnesses. Internationally acclaimed instructors Francesco and Daisy Lee-Garripoli guide qigong technique with clear explanation, step-by-step demonstration and a modern viewpoint. Gentle, flowing movements in sync with deep breathing rhythms and visualization techniques enhance the flow of qi, the energy that fuels the body, mind and spirit.
Favourite Books
Add to the list and vote for your favorite book!
1
Eight Simple Qigong Exercises for Health: The Eight Pieces of Brocade by Yang jwing-Ming, Jwing-Ming Yang
Invigorate your body, improve blood and Qi (vital more...1 point
2
Ba Duan Jin: Eight-section Qigong Exercises (Chinese Health Qigong) by Chinese Health Qigong Association
Qigong is an aspect of traditional Chinese medicin more...1 point
3
Women's Qigong for Health and Longevity: A Practical Guide for Women Forty and Older by Deborah Davis
Here is a detailed, easy-to-use guidebook for wome more...1 point
4
The Root of Chinese Qigong: Secrets of Health, Longevity, & Enlightenment by Yang Jwing-Ming
A complete reference for all levels of Qigong prac more...0 points
5
Heal Yourself With Qigong: Gentle Practices to Increase Energy, Restore Health, and Relax the Mind by Suzanne Friedman
Qigong (pronounced chee-gung) is a Chinese practic more...0 points
6
Qigong Empowerment: A Guide to Medical, Taoist, Buddhist, Wushu Energy Cultivation by Shou-Yu Liang, Wen-Ching Wu
Qigong Empowerment is the most unique and complete more...0 points
7
Qigong for Staying Young: A Simple 20-Minute Workout to Culitivate Your Vital Energy (Avery Health Guides) by Shoshanna Katzman
Gentle movements from the ancient Chinese art of s more...0 points
8
The Way of Qigong: The Art and Science of Chinese Energy Healing by Ken Cohen
Qigong is an integrated mind-body healing method t more...0 points
9
The Essential Qigong Training Course: 100 Days to Increase Energy, Physical Health and Spiritual Well-Being by Ken Cohen
Now for the first time, qigong training is availab more...0 points
10
Back Pain Relief, 2nd Edition: Chinese Qigong for Healing and Prevention by Yang Jwing-Ming
Young or old, sedentary or athletic; it is likely more...0 points
Reader's Feedback
Thank you for reading this lens.
Hope you have learned something.
Feel free to include your suggestions and i will make improvements according to your feedbacks. Personal experiences and opinions will be added into the lens.
Please take some time to leave your comments and do rate my lens at the top of the page.
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- Shibamom Shibamom Jul 24, 2009 @ 11:57 am
- Very cool lens and excellent first lens. I learned a lot today! 5*
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- momto4 momto4 Jul 20, 2009 @ 9:53 pm
- Facinating! Lots of information that I didn't know!
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- SquidArtDesign SquidArtDesign Jul 19, 2009 @ 12:47 pm
- Love this lens! Lots of great information on a very interesting topic to me. Thank you for this and I do hope you find time to make more lenses. I look forward to visiting them if you do.
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- GVGems GVGems Jul 6, 2009 @ 8:39 am
- Well, I'm a Christian, so I wouldn't be using this information, but your lens is well written, skillfully arranged, and very interesting!
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- ArtSiren ArtSiren Jul 1, 2009 @ 7:11 pm
- Interesting lens. I always believed the neigong practices were for 'inner chamber' students after they proved they were trustworthy to the teacher - I suppose it depends on when the teacher wants to share them.
My favorite qigong is the san ti posture of xingyi. It feels like getting goose-bumps, combined with 'pins and needles' sensation in the palms. Definitely good advice you gave about seeking out an experienced teacher, because everyone experiences the effects of qigong in different ways. I enjoyed this lens. 5* from me!
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- Nightcat Nightcat Jun 29, 2009 @ 10:38 pm
- Wow! Stellar first lens! Gave you five stars and a favorite so my fans can surf on over to you. I'm very proud of you for making your first lens a charity lens. Way to go! :)
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- AJ2000 AJ2000 Jun 28, 2009 @ 12:31 am
- Excellent First Lens! Keep the Chi flowing and stay focused on success. You seem to be on the right track to helping others. The money will come and empower you to help even more people after that. Looking forward to watching you succeed!
Thanks for the great lens! 5*
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- iflo iflo Jun 26, 2009 @ 12:35 pm
- wow. Great info about qigong. I will start to learn it.
Check my lens for inspiration.
Wish you peace and love,
Florin
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- tcinvestor tcinvestor Jun 26, 2009 @ 11:58 am
- A great lens topic..glad you put it together. We are all connected by the everpresent web of "energy" or Chi that is a function of the universe.
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- qlcoach qlcoach Jun 26, 2009 @ 9:30 am
- Love Quigong, Tai Chi, Yoga, Reiki, and meditation. I use them combination in my daily work-outs. Really enjoyed your lens. Met you on Lensroll. Hope you will visit my new lens about emotional healing. Gary Eby, author and therapist.
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Table of Contents
- Background of Traditional Chinese Medicine
- Qi in Traditional Chinese Medicine
- Where is Qi found in?
- Functions of Qi in our body
- Do you believe that there is 'Qi' flowing through our body?
- Introductory video to Qigong
- What is Qigong?
- Health benefits of practising Qigong
- Products about Qigong on eBay
- Links of Useful Websites about Qi, Qigong and TCM.
- Are your legs as stable as his?
- Recommended DVD: The 8 Pieces of Brocade
- Recommended DVD: Qigong Beginning Practice
- Favourite Books
- Reader's Feedback
by Frazen
I live in Singapore. I would like to add value to people's life, therefore, i want to get rich and help even more people... (more)
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