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West. In the modern Chinese Romanization into English letters (called "Pinyin") , the
"Q" generally makes an English "Ch" sound. You will sometimes see Qigong spelt as
"Chi Gong," "Chi Kung," and other variations.
The literal translation of this word is difficult to convey, since it has so many
connotations. Some common approximations for the meaning of Qigong include,
"energy cultivation," "breath practice," "life-energy cultivation," "breathing exercises,"
etc. The core concept of the "Qi" (pronounced, "Chee") of "Qigong," is related to the
ideas of "breath" and "energy." The "Gong" of "Qigong" is related to the idea of
"practice," "work," "ability," "cultivation," etc. An accurate Western scientific
description would be something like "the maintenance and cultivation of bio-electrical
energy." The word "Qi" has similar parallels in other world cultures. In India it is
referred to as "Prana," in Japan it is called "Ki," and in the Hebrew language of the
Old Testament it is referred to as "Ruach" ("breath"), the "breath of life" that God is
said to have breathed into the first man (Genesis 2:7). Numerous other conceptual
parallels can be found in other world cultures, but the core idea is remarkably similar;
"breath = life = energy." Put simply, "Qigong" is family of breathing exercises
designed to stimulate "life-energy."
The historical roots of Qigong go back before the written history of China at least
4000 years ago, and probably much farther back than that. This is why these
practices are truly "time-tested." No health practice could stand the test of time in a
society as deeply practical as Chinese culture without having a demonstrable
efficiency. There are literally tens-of-thousands of specific Qigong exercises that have
been developed over time. Different groups within the history of China have used
Qigong exercises with various focuses. The three main branches of Qigong are
"Medical Qigong," "Martial Qigong," and "Spiritual Qigong."
The only branch of Qigong that Self-Empowered Health Qigong/Tai Chi teaches is
"Medical Qigong." Medical Qigong can be defined as "any breath/movement
exercises in which the purpose is to activate the bodies natural self-healing ability for
the goal of improved health and well-being." There is a form of Medical Qigong
popular in China where a Qigong healer externally applies their "Qi" to the patient.
We do not deal with this type of externally directed Medical Qigong for two reasons:
1) The scientific evidence is less certain about the results and dynamics of how this
process works, and, 2) The goal of our organization is to equip people with exercises
they can do that will take the focus off of an external healing source or authority,
and empower them with practices that are self-directed and self-generated--so as
to give us more control and responsibility for our own health care.
While Qigong is a "complementary medicine" practice that can be done in conjunction
with those prescribed by doctors (Western or Eastern), in practice here in the West,
the pendulum has swung too far to the other extreme. Patients have relinquished all
control to the medical establishment and often feel the only legitimate healing available
is through the medium of a doctor or a pill. Qigong is a complimentary medicine
practice that can help give people tools they can use to be proactive in their own
healing process. Qigong exercises are often done in China as a complimentary
therapies to the Western treatments prescribed for serious medical issues. Clinical
research in China shows a significantly higher recovery rate from serious diseases
among those who use Qigong along with traditional Western treatments, as opposed
to those who utilize only Western treatments. Some believe that besides the obvious
physiological benefits of Qigong, there is a significant psychological boost that comes
from the patient being an active participant in their healing process, rather than just a
passive recipient of external treatments. In short, patients who feel empowered heal
faster. The psychological benefits of being proactive in their own recovery has a
concrete physical manifestation; a healthier body.
This is the whole mission of Self-Empowered Health Qigong/Tai Chi. We want to
equip people with easy to learn, simple, and non-esoteric exercises they can do
anywhere and anytime that will move them towards more abundant health.
Simplicity in what we do and how we teach is our hallmark. Empowering our
clients with knowledge and tools so they can be proactive in their own health
enhancement is our mission.
The sublime power of Qigong and Therapeutic Tai Chi exercises lies in their simplicity,
gentleness, and adaptability. Most Qigong exercises involve three main principles:
diaphragmatic breathing, healthy posture, and relaxation. The movements of Qigong
are very gentle. There is no need to get into radical stretches or poses, as is
sometimes the case with Qigong's better known "sister," Yoga. This is what makes it
ideal for people in an office or workplace where that is impractical, and why it is
easier for older people or people with disabilities to do.
The gentle movements, relaxed diaphragmatic breathing, and the mental focus upon
these simple factors, cause the practitioners mind and body to get into a state known
as "the Relaxation Response." This term was coined years ago by a famous medical
researcher from Harvard Medical School, Dr. Herbert Benson. It is the physiological
and psychological effects of this "Relaxation Response" that activate the bodies own
natural healing ability. Doing these easy and gentle movements over time can shift the
body from the devastating effects of chronic stress, over to a more normal, healthy,
and relaxed state of being. Modern medical research indicates that over 70% of all
illness is a direct result of the negative physiological effects of stress. Qigong and Tai
Chi are powerful antidotes to these effects. These positive effects continue to work
even when not doing the exercises. Just as good nutrition, exercise, and proper rest
have a positive "hangover" effect on our bodies, so does a relaxing mind-body
practice like Qigong and Tai Chi. (For more information on how Qigong works and
what it does to our bodies, click on the page, "Health Benefits.")
As human beings struggle with the stress of modern living, the challenges of urban
crime, traffic, pollution, environmental hazards, and as we too often become prisoners
of the technology that was designed to "help us", many in the West are turning to an
ancient "technology," Qigong and Tai Chi, in order to have a powerful natural
resource to cope with these challenges. In our busy lives, many people are sensing a
need to take time out for themselves, slow down, and invest a few minutes a day into
cultivating their own physical and mental health. A powerful tool in this quest for
enhanced health and for a moment of peace in this hurried world, is the daily practice
of these simple mind-body exercises called "Qigong" and "Tai Chi."
It is likely that after walking, Qigong and Tai Chi may be the most commonly
performed exercises on the earth. It is estimated that between 200 to 300 million
people in China and Asia do Qigong and Tai Chi on a daily basis. The tremendous
popularity of these practices are a result of their simplicity and dynamic health benefits.
These ancient and amazing exercises are just now coming to light here in the West.
SELF-EMPOWERED HEALTH QIGONG/TAI CHI exists to teach these
practices in an accessible, simple, and easy to learn way to individuals and
organizations.
