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| Understanding qigong | ||
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Traditional
Qigong is thought to be at least 4,000 years old.
Historically, qigong methods incorporated 'neigong'
qualities.
In addition to releasing tension and making you feel energised, a significant degree of strength
developed. Specifically: whole-body strength.
This was particularly important for martial arts training.
Tai chi and chi kung
People believe that the 'chi' in tai chi is the same chi as chi kung
(qigong).
This is incorrect.
Tai chi refers to the yin/yang principle whereas
the chi (qi) in chi kung is about qi.
Confusing tai chi and
qigong
Tai chi is a martial art.
Tai chi for health & fitness is a non-martial
health exercise adapted from tai
chi.
Qigong is a series of standing and moving exercises
designed to make you feel energised. There are no static postures in
tai chi.
At first, even this simplest of all things - just
standing still for a few minutes - may seem impossible when you try it. Thirty
seconds may seem like an eternity; five minutes may be agony. The boredom may
drive you crazy. These reactions are simply the evidence of the constant tension
in your nervous system and proof that you need this exercise.
(Lam Kam Chuen)
Influential qigong book
In 1991, Lam Kam Chuen released The Way of Energy; a popular book that
taught ba duan jin and a series of standing qigong postures.
The sequel book The Way of Power was published in 2003 revealing that the
exercises taught in the first book were the foundation stage for the martial
art of da cheng chuan.
Da cheng chuan is a xingyiquan off-shoot which utilises standing qigong
postures in lieu of forms.
The qigong exercises taught by Lam were great if you wanted to get good at da cheng
chuan or just want to train qigong as qigong.
However, by tai chi standards
the exercises were performed in an 'external'
fashion - too extended - and so of no
use to tai chi practice.
Besides, tai chi is a
moving art not a standing art.
Beware of amateurs...
Qigong is great providing it is taught with skill and integrity.
It is a sad truth that most qigong teachers are not professionals.
They are
often well-meaning amateurs potentially doing more harm than good.
Be cautious.
Find out more about the art for yourself. Gain some measure of understanding
before attending a class.
Ask the teacher about the
style
being taught, the methodology behind their teaching.
Ask to see their syllabus.
What kind of qigong is being taught in a given class?
Qigong is a very diverse area of study. It can mean different things to
different people.
Approaches can vary wildly from class to class and teacher to teacher:
(i) Strength building classes
The emphasis is upon good body mechanics, balance, breathing,
lengthening the muscles and relaxation.
If all of these factors are taught well, the body will become notably stronger.
Expect a gently challenging workout.
(ii) Hippy classes
A 'feel good' qigong class may have all manner of so-called qi-enhancing
practices... but are these bona fide or bogus? Does the student feel stronger?
Is their body stronger, more balanced, their emotions settled and the mind calm?
Would your time be better spent walking the dog around the park?
Spend your time wisely
Qigong should ideally be infused with
neigong
(whole-body strength), and this will prepare the student for martial training
and physical activities in every day life.
A clear, tangible, scientific attitude is much necessary.
Focus on how you use the body.
Gain strength, ease of movement and mental clarity. Get the postural muscles to
do most of the work rather than your localised limbs.
10 repetitions per arm
For the highest yield, each qigong
exercise needs to be done 10 times. If you do an exercise with the right
hand and then the left, the overall count will be 20.
Page created 3 March 1994
Last updated
16 June 2023