Qigong is an ancient Chinese health care system that integrates physical postures, breathing techniques and focused intention.

The word Qigong (Chi Kung) is made up of two Chinese words. Qi is pronounced chee and is usually translated to mean the life force or vital energy that flows through all things in the universe.

The second word, Gong, pronounced gung, means accomplishment, or skill that is cultivated through steady practice. Together, Qigong (Chi Kung) means cultivating energy; it is a powerful system of healing and energy medicine from China. It is practised for health maintenance, healing and increasing vitality. It uses breathing techniques, gentle movement and meditation to cleanse, strengthen and circulate the life energy (qi). Qigong practice leads to better health and vitality and a tranquil state of mind.

An ancient discipline..

If something has stood the test of time and has developed and evolved, to me, this shows the discipline is good. Qigong is like this it can be traced back 3,000 years. The popularity of ancestry websites and history tv programmes shows lineage is important to most people. This should also be applied to Qigong or Tai chi classes, check the teacher has a teacher and if they can trace their style back generations. Ask yourself does the teacher look healthy and are the students happy.

Origins are from five schools, Daoism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Martial and Medical. It was created by people observing animals and birds and how they reacted to nature. The people found by doing these movements they felt warmer, lighter and healthier with more energy.