This is exactly the methodology applied when pursuing mastery of a system of movement such as Qigong. Time, perseverance, and focus lead first to a basic comprehension of movement followed by an enduring grasp of the subtleties and tiny nuances involved in true focus and meditative movement.
Distinguishing between certain healing arts can be problematic, especially when some Eastern practices involve common factors such as movement, postures, and the fundamental goal of working with energy.
Qiqong is perhaps the oldest of these movement systems, and is believed by many to have given birth to other energy cultivation practices, including Tai Chi. These two techniques for spiritual growth through movement are kindred, related, but still separated by subtle differences that extend back in time. While Tai Chi is a martial art, Qigong has never been intended as anything other than a healing art. Both disciplines cultivate energy, but the goal of Qigong is always to use that energy for the goal of healing.
Like many Chinese words, Qigong is a poetry of definition, with two terms combined to create an apt description of the discipline. Qi, pronounced as 'chee,' is energy flow, and gong is the pursuit of knowledge or accomplishment. Together, the word formed is Qigong, and it simply means cultivation of energy for health.
The key to learning any style of Qigong is awareness of intention. The mind is keenly alert to the constant, precise flow of movement and the soft exhalation and inhalation that punctuates each posture. To an adept there would be no difference between movement and breathing as he or she sinks into a meditative state, intent on contemplating each of the postures and the smooth transition from one move to the next.
Such applied energy is more about the journey through skill levels than it is about reaching some peak of achievement. Many experts in Eastern martial practices begin their journey to full understanding and dominance of their chosen discipline as children, and still have much to learn, even in their advanced years. Practitioners of healing arts can also spend a lifetime studying, learning of the energy centers of the body. They learn forms and postures designed to release energy, and techniques that are known to clear disruptive energy from congested areas, regions of the body where the effects of pain and anxiety have taken deep hold.
The benefits of the daily integration of movement, breath, and mind are numerous, even extending to pain relief. Headache remedies often involve turning to painkillers, but pills are a medical solution, a tool of the modern world that is often taken far too readily, almost habitually. Qigong goes deeper than addressing symptoms, subtly altering brain chemistry and releasing endorphins that can create feelings of wellness. Additionally, the focused flow of movement creates a new level of flexibility that can help ease muscular tension.
Cultural differences between East and West may have hampered our understanding of the natural healing modalities that involve cultivation and/or manipulation Qi (such as Qigong, Tai Chi, and natural acupuncture remedies). But, classes here in the West now flourish and gain in popularity, with groups of novices and adepts enraptured in learning the gentle, slow movements of Qigong.
As they advance through classes, students come to see this healing art as meditative movement, and learn to use their new skills to gain fresh clarity and perspective, clearing the formidable anxiety that plagues our society, and often find themselves with stronger immune systems and greater reservoirs of energy.
Qigong and natural acupuncture remedies belong together. When combined, they can used to maintain health, magnify natural vitality, and help heal and free the body of toxins. Many migraine and chronic headache sufferers have found that common headache remedies (such as aspirin and prescription drugs), can be dropped in favor of an hour of focused movement.
And, unlike a strenuous workout at the gym, Qigong practitioners usually find themselves feeling calmer, centered, and more spiritually balanced after practicing.
Robert Vena
NJ Acupuncturist
Acupuncture-in-NJ.com
