What is Qi Gong?
Qi Gong is an exercise system from China that combines
gentle movement and stillness, with relaxed regular breathing. The Chinese symbol 'Qi' (pronounced Chee) literally means air or breath although it relates to your life force. 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. Gong is the term used for any study or training which requires a lot of energy,
time, work or self-discipline
The movements come with beautifully descriptive titles such as 'mixing heaven and earth' and 'drawing a bow to shoot the eagle'. There are many different styles of Qi Gong but the movements themselves are usually easy to
learn. The challenge comes from coordinating these with the correct way of
breathing. When this is achieved, the body's natural vitality (Chi) is
circulated far more efficiently than would normally be the case. With daily
practice, therefore, chi kung can strengthen the overall state of health and
increase resistance to illness
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The eight exercises of the golden brocaid
The exercises of the Golden Brocaid or Ba Duan Jin (Eight Bolts of Silk), are thought to have been developed by an army officer to maintain the internal
strength of his troops around 800 years ago..
Based on Traditional Chinese Medicine
theory, the eight movements were created to focus on strengthening the bones
and muscles, regulating respiration and Qi circulation while utilizing Qi Gong
control of the mind. Each of the 8 movements is related to different internal
organs such as the liver, stomach, spleen and heart. They are flexible in duration and may be practiced in
whole or part to focus on the prevention and treatment of specific medical
problems.
Benefits include:
Increasing muscular
strength and developing pectoral muscles to make the figure graceful;
Prevention and
treatment of kyphosis and scoliosis; Prevention and
treatment of some common chronic diseases such as cervical spondylopathy, pain
in the lower back and legs, and stomach ache; With persistent
practice the exercises can also tone the brain, improve general health and prolong life.
The eight exercises of the Golden
Treasure Brocade are simple and easy to learn, and may be varied in intensity to
suit the individual. They are best practiced in the
morning or evening in fresh air, for between thirty minutes and an hour
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