What is Qigong?

In ancient times Qigong was called Dao Yin Tu Na. Dao Yin is defined as directing the flow of Qi and Tu Na - breathing. Literally it means breathing exercise.

A literal translation of the Chinese character Qi is air or breath. It is the energy that circulates within the body. Gong means energy and time, work or self-discipline. Gong is the term used for any study or training which requires a lot of energy and time, work or self-discipline. Thus Qigong is the training or study dealing with Qi, which takes a long time and a lot of effort to master. It is a method to build up Qi.

Western society is only now appreciating the long established health virtues of Tai Chi, Qigong and Dao Yin. Researchers worldwide are bringing a scientific understanding to Traditional Chinese Medicine and Chinese Health Systems.

Strengthening and building the body's Chi (Qi) has been the concept preoccupying seekers of health in China for centuries. In traditional Chinese medicine the flow of energy Qi along channels or meridians in the body is viewed as central to a person's health and well being, with illness being attributed to restricted or blocked Qi flow within the body. This concept provides the basis for acupuncture and Qigong. To be able to build and direct the Qi flow in your body will enhance your health and reduce the chance of illness. For thousands of years people in China have developed, refined and practiced successfully the art of building Qi.

Qigong is an integral component of Chinese health systems.