

Qi Gong: Can It Work For You?

What Is Qi Gong

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Qi gong is a fitness and stress management program that is based on traditional Chinese medicine. The program is mostly used in health maintenance programs, although since 1989 it has been recognized and used as part of treatment regimens within the Chinese medical establishment. It is also used in conjunction with Chinese martial arts by using breathing exercises in combination with specific movements to promote relaxation, unblocked energy flow and physical health. Western medicine generally accepts qi gong as beneficial in reducing stress and enhancing physical conditioning.

Qi gong has drawn its share of controversy over the years. In older translations “qi” meant energy. Literally, the name translates to the skill of cultivating energy. Some practitioners today still ascribe this meaning to qi gong, but the common, modern translation means breath or gas.

The process is seen as a way to connect with the higher energy states that come from religious understanding of the nature of human existence. At times, qi gong has been linked to the worship of gods and possession by spirits. While the religious associations of the practice have largely been discarded in recent years, the concept of qi as energy is still hotly debated. Qi gong masters claim that they are able to detect qi within a human and determine the areas in which it is blocked.
Qi gong is practiced, in part, to remove blockages and allow the qi to flow freely, which masters are allegedly able to manipulate. In acupuncture, needles are used to unblock clogged qi channels known as meridians and in feng shui, qi must be allowed to flow easily through a room. Blocking or interrupting the qi of a room can have an impact on its inhabitants. Qi is similar to the Western New Age concept of energy.

The interconnectedness between qi gong and pseudoscientific beliefs in energy has led many Western medical practitioners to dismiss it out of hand. Qi gong is generally seen by the scientific community as similar to acupuncture. It is not considered inherently harmful, but possibly helpful.

Interestingly, qi gong is closely related to tai chi, which is more accepted by the Western world. This may simply be because tai chi has been in the West for longer and so has undergone study that is more scientific, or perhaps it is because tai chi is recognized as a form of martial arts, even though it is not currently used for that purpose. Whatever the reason, tai chi has gained much more acceptance in the mainstream Western medical community than qi gong has garnered up to this point. Some masters feel that the practice is being taken in a dangerous direction.
Proper practice is traditionally passed down from teacher to student and takes many years of study to perfect. It is felt that since qi gong involves the direct manipulation of energy, learning the practice from books or DVDs can lead to manipulating the qi in unhealthy ways. Continued impromper use can lead to physical or psychological disorders.

Whether it is a case of belief creating the reality, or whether there really is a danger in improper technique is open to debate. However, a very real psychological diagnosis was named in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual Volume IV (DSM-IV), the authority on psychological diagnoses worldwide, used by mental health professionals, medical professionals and insurance companies. This disorder, known as Qi-gong Psychotic Reaction has been classified as culture-based. Nonetheless, the disorder is real and should be taken into consideration.

Regardless of the reasons, the program works for many people. If you want to learn the technique, you have a few choices. Endless books, videos and DVDs are readily available online and in some retail stores. These vary widely in both quality and informational content. If you want to learn in this way, it is highly recommended that you select books and DVDs that teach the concepts as well as the techniques and include information on how to practice safely.
Alternatively, you can seek information on the proper practice through the online community and use the books and videos to demonstrate the proper movements. Regardless of whether you believe in the concept of qi or not, meditation is an important component of qi gong. Meditation can be difficult to learn on your own, so by seeking other practitioners you can learn what works for them.

If you want to begin a deeper study, it is highly recommended that you find a teacher. The Qi Gong Association of America is an excellent place to begin your research. The Association’s website offers information and links to numerous resources. The site provides an extremely helpful FAQ, links to teacher information, suggested reading, and a message board.

Qi gong appears to be low impact and appropriate for those in varying states of health. Nonetheless, it is recommended that you consult with your doctor before beginning a program. Work your way into the program slowly and carefully.

Qi gong is, like so many other things, easy to learn but difficult to master. The principles are based in ancient traditions and contain many levels of teachings. You may be surprised in how much there truly is to learn, however, the journey and process of study is important in and of itself. Do not rush your study, but relax and learn to enjoy it. The basic techniques can be learned quickly, allowing you to practice the art as you work through your study.
Since the basic techniques are easy to learn, you may choose not to move any further with the study. You might choose to simply use the movements to enhance strength and flexibility, discarding the meditative and spiritual aspects of the discipline. There is no right or wrong way to practice qi gong. It is a reasonably safe and effective program of stress relief and flexibility, and there is nothing wrong with leaving it at that.
Qi gong is closely related to the Chinese martial arts. Born from traditional Chinese medicine, it was for many years a highly guarded secret. The spiritual and religious connotations have led some to dismiss it out of hand, but much of the Western medical community recognizes the program’s ability to relieve stress and enhance physicality. If you want to try something new, qi gong appears to be a reasonably safe and effective practice.
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