Chi Kung (also called Qigong) is all about wellness. It is an ancient practice that uses a variety of physical processes to provide balance and wellness to a human.

For people interested in improving their health, it is a tool that should be fully explored.

Instead of talking about all the “feel better fast” and “relieve pain” and “improve your health” let’s talk about this in real life, every day terms. Sure, Chi King do all those things, but let’s go through it systematically and in practical terms…

What is Chi Kung?

First, in American English, the correct pronunciation is “chee gong.” It also has several spellings that you’ll see including Qi Gong, Qigong, and Chi Gung. None is more right than the other. For consistency in this description, we’ll use Chi Kung.

The practice uses three things to help you improve your general wellness: Your body, your breathing, and your mind.

Here is how you’ll use each…

Your Body

When practicing Chi Kung, your body may be used in a couple of ways, either soft flowing movements, or a still (static) position. When using movements, think of thai chi, only slower. With static movements, think of a yogi in meditation.

The idea is that your body is aligning with the other two components, your mind and your breathing. This alignment helps your body’s own energy to work with your body instead of against it. When your energy – your Qi – is aligned it becomes more powerful.

The result is that you are better able to heal and injury and illness prevention is heightened.

Your Breathing

Qigong Breathing

My opinion is that breathing is the foundation of this practice. When you breath slowly and deliberately, it becomes much easier to remain focused on your being, and not distracted by all the “noise” in your mind.

It’s important to note that the entire reason for using these techniques is to help your body to be healthy. Stress is a killer, pure and simple. When you’re stressed, your immune system is depressed, your mood is poor, and sickness is sure to follow.

[SIDENOTE: When I was first recovering from a couple years of panic disorder, I frequently used my own brand of meditation. It involved sitting (sometimes lying down) and focusing on just my breath, in and out…in and out. Every time a thought other than my breath entered my head, I imagined the thought spiraling away into nothingness. Try it!]

When you practice this type of breathing, your mind relaxes. When matched up to your posture or slight, slow movements, you begin to align yourself.

Your Posture

You may execute small, slow, deliberate movements, or you may stand (or sit) still. Both are part of Chi Kung and both serve a unique purpose.

When your body is at rest, and all you are focused on is breathing, your body and your breath seem to combine. I know it sounds strange, but it is absolutely true.

Try this: Stand in a quiet room. No kids, no TV, no dog or cat. Focus intensely on each breath in and out. Try to remove the ideas and thoughts that fly into your mind.

Just breath.

Do this for 3 minutes.

After 3 minutes, move.

I guarantee (or at least bet) that your body will feel different. It might not feel better or worse, but the first movement you make, whether it’s your hand moving or taking a step, it will feel much different than it does when you are just going about your day.

That’s the power of your chi. The power of your energy.

With prolonged, and guided Chi Kung, the feeling you get after practice is nothing short of phenomenal.

Chi Kung History

This practice is thought to be over 4,000 years old! It was developed in China and has morphed slightly over time. Most of the changes have occurred in just the past 100 years or so.

Across China many related, but different, forms evolved over the centuries. Before mass communication and transportation, variants evolved in pockets of populations.

Centuries ago, a Chi Kung master would train a group of students and since those students likely lived in the same village as the master, and lived their lives right there, the teachings never left that small population.

And so, many variations evolved over the years. All with certain similarities, but each with some distinct characteristics.

When China came under communist rule halfway through the twentieth century, the government tried to create a uniform practice. It is thought that during this time, Chi Kung became more similar across China and also took on its most modern likeness.

Chi Kung And Your Health

The benefits of any type of meditation (which is what Chi Kung is at its core) is no lounger a matter of dispute. But each person may experience different benefits based on their own history, how they practice and what their goals of practice are.

Some of my clients have been using a home study course and have reported pretty quick improvements in various health issues.

Check Out This Qigong Home Study Course – Highly Recommended

Here’s what I can tell you from my personal experience. I found that my moods and energy level are enhanced. In my youth I had some pretty serious issues with anxiety and panic. Although I had worked through those issues before discovering Chi Kung, I use it now to maintain my health and relaxed outlook.

My energy levels are undoubtedly enhanced. If I go for a run in the morning without having practiced the day before, I notice a big difference in how I perform. When I am consistent about my practice, every run and every workout has a lighter, easier feeling to it.

The only way to see how it will work for you is to try it.