PRACTICE OF QI GONG
Qi Gong, literally “accumulated work of qi,” denotes one specific contemporary health practice but connotes two schemes of ancient Chinese practices of meditative and gymnastic, and a broad range of religious, pop-cultural, and even scientific ideas. Because the contemporary Qi Gong practice is a multifaceted accretion of a variety of different ideas and practices, which in turn are essentially based on the traditional meditation and gymnastic practices, there have not yet formally established systems or categories of Qi Gong practice. To give a clear idea of which practices the term may at time or another imply, it may be best to understand them according to the practices of traditional meditation and gymnastics.
Qi Gong practice is usually described according to the stages or levels undergone by the practitioners. At each specific stage or level, a certain amount of training should be already undertaken. However, during the training or even the preparations, mental and physical relaxation is produced routinely as the side-products. The specific mental concentration and visualization, and bodily posture and movement are given at each on-going stage or level. These instructions also include the specific techniques on respiration and inner qi circulation. When all these facets are carried out and performed properly and regularly, physical health/performance and mental clarity/stability improve to the highest degree.
More recently, Qi Gong has been used in conjunction with modern medicine to cure cancer, immune system disorders, and other life-threatening conditions. The benefits of Qi Gong are obvious in those who practice it correctly and regularly. These exuberant individuals sleep more soundly; achieve better physical performance and mental harmony of the true health in the unity of mind-body-spirit. They become simply happier in life—regardless the circumstances.