Qigong is the art of mastering the power of breath, focusing on the internal aspects of physical well-being.
Origin: Traces back to humanity’s pursuit of physical strength and internal balance.
Focus on Breath:
External vs. Internal: While external strength can be built through physical exercises, internal well-being relies on regulating the body’s internal organs, particularly the lungs.
Significance of Breath: Only the lungs can be consciously controlled and regulated through the power of breath.
Practicing Qigong:
Emphasis: Qigong emphasizes harnessing the breath to promote internal harmony and vitality.
Techniques: Various Qigong techniques focus on regulating breath patterns to optimize health and well-being.
How to understand Qigong
Abdominal Breathing in Qigong:
Concept: Qigong emphasizes abdominal breathing, reflecting ancient beliefs about life and vitality.
Symbolism: The abdomen, or dantian, is likened to a nurturing mother, where life is sustained and nurtured.
Natural Cycles: Both birth and the end of life are marked by natural abdominal breathing, aligning with the rhythms of nature.
Embryonic Breath Technique:
Daoist Perspective: Qigong is referred to as the “Embryonic Breath Technique” in Daoism.
Alignment with Nature: Qigong practice seeks to align with the natural rhythms of life, akin to the moments of birth and nearing death.
Practice and Dedication:
Art of Qigong: Qigong is considered an art that requires time, dedication, and practice to master.
Focus on Breath: Practitioners focus on controlling the timing and intensity of inhalation and exhalation, incorporating the concept of Yinian (mindful control of activities).
How does Qigong work?
Precise Breathing Technique:
Full Inhalation: Inhale to maximum capacity, not exceeding the natural limit.
Complete Exhalation: Exhale fully until the breath is completely expelled, without holding back.
Intentional Breathing: Precision in breathing requires conscious intention, as without it, breath control cannot be achieved.
Diaphragmatic Breathing:
Organ Movement: Each breath engages diaphragmatic movement, causing internal organs to rhythmically rise and fall.
Strengthening Effect: Human internal organs lack ligaments and rely on membranes for support. The up-and-down motion during diaphragmatic breathing stretches and strengthens these membranes.
Qigong’s Inner Strengthening:
Principle: Qigong’s emphasis on precise breathing and diaphragmatic movement strengthens the inner self.
Dedication and Time: Qigong is a practice that requires dedication and time to cultivate vital energy, emphasizing intention without enduring discomfort.