Disclaimer: Zhineng Qigong is currently subject to much controversy. This article merely provides information about Zhineng Qigong and does not recommend its practice.
Zhineng Qigong is a therapeutic practice within traditional medicine that employs wisdom and techniques to regulate and control the body’s internal energy flow (qi) to achieve physical health and mental balance. Compared to other forms of Qigong, Zhineng Qigong emphasizes and fully utilizes the group effect. By teaching and healing in group settings, practitioners can achieve better results through the collective energy field.
Who invented Zhineng Qigong?
Zhineng Qigong was invented by Dr Pang Ming.
Introduction of Dr Pang Ming:
- Name: Pang He Ming (Pang Ming)
- Gender: Male
- Date of Birth: 1940
- Place of Birth: Dingxing County, Hebei
- Political Affiliation: Member of the Chinese Communist Party
- Title: Associate Professor
Current Positions:
- Director of the China Qigong Science Research Society
- Chairman of the Zhineng Qigong branch of the China Qigong Science Research Society
- Honorary Director of the Beijing Qigong Research Society
- Director of the Huaxia Zhineng Qigong Training and Rehabilitation Center
- Director of the Huaxia Zhineng Qigong Research Institute
- Party Secretary of the Huaxia Zhineng Qigong Training and Rehabilitation Center
Main achievement on Zhineng Qigong:
- Innovative Reformer: Mr. Pang He Ming boldly reformed traditional Qigong and created Zhineng Qigong, sharing its principles and methods with the world.
- Milestone Event: In the spring of 1981, he taught the method of external qi emission at the first national training course on external qi emission organized by the Beijing Qigong Research Society.
- Scientific Collaboration: He conducted extensive scientific experiments with researchers, proving the material nature of qi, and ushering Qigong into a new historical period.
What is Zhineng Qigong? What is its Concept?
Zhineng Qigong is a new type of Qigong that uses wisdom and techniques to regulate and control the body’s internal energy flow (qi) to achieve physical health and mental balance.
- Combination of Wisdom and Techniques: Zhineng Qigong emphasizes “intelligence” where “Zhi” stands for wisdom, referring to the cerebral cortex’s ability to process external information, and “Neng” stands for capability, including mental and physical functions. By combining wisdom and techniques, it achieves regulation and control of the body’s internal qi flow.
- Regulation of Breathing and Movement: Zhineng Qigong balances the body’s qi and blood flow by regulating breathing and movement, enhancing the immune system and self-healing capabilities.
- Intention and Focus: Zhineng Qigong stresses the importance of using intention and focus to control the flow of qi, thereby regulating both the body and the mind.
Theoretical System
Zhineng Qigong has established a comprehensive and rigorous theoretical framework:
- Guided by dialectical materialism and historical materialism.
- Incorporates essential elements from traditional Qigong and Chinese medicine theories, such as qi, qi transformation, and the holistic view of the unity between heaven and humans.
- Draws on contemporary scientific achievements, including those in medicine, biology, and the new and old “three theories,” as well as philosophy.
What are the Features of Zhineng Qigong?
Scientific and Systematic Approach:
- Zhineng Qigong integrates modern science, medicine, psychology, and traditional Qigong principles.
- Establishes a scientific and systematic theoretical framework for practice.
Mind Regulation:
- Emphasizes using intention to control the flow and distribution of qi.
- Requires concentration and focus to guide qi flow, regulating both body and mind.
Emphasis on Holism:
- Views the body and mind as interconnected.
- Balances physical and mental health through regulating qi flow.
Focus on Group Effect:
- Utilizes collective teaching and healing methods.
- Forms a strong energy field through group practice and focused intention.
Development of Intelligence:
- Believes practice enhances cognitive abilities.
- Improves brain clarity, agility, and moral standards.
Simplicity and Ease of Learning:
- Provides straightforward practice methods suitable for all ages.
- Beginners can gradually master techniques under guidance.
Is Zhineng Qigong Good for Beginners?
Suitable for a Wide Range of People:
- Zhineng Qigong emphasizes mental regulation and holistic balance, making it suitable for individuals of all ages and backgrounds.
- Beginners can enhance self-awareness and body perception through practice, experiencing the physical and mental benefits.
Simple and Easy to Learn:
- The practice methods are straightforward and easy to understand, making it accessible for beginners.
- Under the guidance of experienced teachers, one can gradually learn basic techniques and improve their level of practice.
Individual Differences:
- Before practicing, it’s important to understand one’s own physical and health condition.
- Individuals with existing illnesses or psychological barriers should practice under professional guidance to ensure safety and effectiveness.
Patience and Perseverance:
- Practice requires long-term commitment and perseverance, with patience being crucial.
- Beginners should maintain a positive mindset, and continuously learn and explore, in order to appreciate the wonders and charm of Zhineng Qigong.
What are the Differences between Zhineng Qigong and Traditional Qigong?
Origin and Theoretical Basis:
- Zhineng Qigong, created by renowned Qigong scholar Vice Professor Pang Ming, is a scientific Qigong practice. It inherits the essence of traditional Qigong while incorporating the rational core of the ancient Chinese civilization’s concept of “unity of heaven and humanity.” Additionally, it draws from modern scientific, medical, and philosophical achievements, establishing a comprehensive and rigorous theoretical system.
Practice Methods and Objectives:
- The practice methods of Zhineng Qigong include dynamic, static, and dynamic-static forms. Its ultimate goal is to unlock the potential functions of the human body, study the laws of human life activities, explore the relationship between humans and nature, and transform human natural instincts into conscious intelligence, leading humanity from the realm of necessity to the realm of freedom.
Openness Characteristic:
- Unlike the closed-off practices of other traditional Qigong, such as Daoist alchemical practices, Zhineng Qigong emphasizes the fusion of human and natural energies from the beginning of practice. It is an open-ended practice that emphasizes the integration of one’s own energy with that of nature and the unity of self and environment, utilizing the power of the whole of nature and the collective power of humanity in practice. This openness is manifested in three aspects: openness of qi flow, openness of acupoints, and openness of consciousness.
Practical Effects:
- Zhineng Qigong has not only achieved remarkable results in disease prevention, health promotion, and potential development but also played a significant role in improving the economic benefits of various industries such as agriculture, industry, forestry, animal husbandry, and fisheries through mass Qigong research activities. It has transformed Qigong science into advanced productive forces and contributed to socialist construction.
Classification Relationship with Other Qigong:
- In terms of Qigong classification, Zhineng Qigong can be categorized as comprehensive Qigong because it combines the integration of intention with body guidance or the combination of intention, breathing, and posture.
How to Practice Zhineng Qigong for Beginners?
Preparation Stage
- Mental Adjustment:
- Before practicing Zhineng Qigong, maintain a calm and peaceful mindset. Avoid tension and anxiety, allowing yourself to fully relax.
- Environment Selection:
- Choose a quiet, comfortable, and distraction-free environment for practice. Ensure that external factors do not disturb the practice process.
Basic Postures
- Sitting Posture:
- Sit on a flat surface with legs crossed (double cross, single cross, or open cross). Keep your back straight, shoulders relaxed, and hands naturally resting on the knees or clasped together in front of the chest.
- Standing Posture:
- Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent, abdomen tucked in, chest lifted, and hands naturally hanging down or clasped together in front of the chest.
- Lying Posture:
- Lie flat on a flat surface with legs naturally straight or slightly bent. Place hands on both sides of the body or clasped together in front of the chest. Choose a comfortable posture based on personal preference.
Breathing Exercises
- Natural Breathing:
- Start by adjusting the rhythm of breathing through natural breathing, making the breath deep and even.
- Abdominal Breathing:
- As practice deepens, gradually adopt abdominal breathing. Inhale, allowing the abdomen to rise; exhale, allowing the abdomen to fall inward. This breathing method helps strengthen abdominal muscles, promote visceral organ movement, and detoxify.
Mind Regulation
- Focus of Mind:
- Concentrate on breathing and bodily sensations during practice. Imagine yourself merging with nature, feeling every subtle change in the body.
- Elimination of Distractions:
- When distractions arise, gently redirect attention back to breathing and bodily sensations. Through repeated practice, gradually improve the concentration and stability of the mind.
Specific Exercise Movements
- Various Exercise Movements:
- Zhineng Qigong offers diverse exercise movements, including but not limited to the following:
- “Combing the Hair and Bathing the Face”: Use both palms to comb from the forehead to the top of the head, then towards the back of the neck, then to the face and jaw. Repeat this motion 10-20 times to relax the head muscles and promote blood circulation.
- “Rubbing and Pressing the Eyes”: Use the index, middle, and ring fingers together to gently rub the “Yintang” point (located slightly above the center of the eyebrows) 36 times with each hand. This helps relieve eye fatigue and improve vision.
Conclusion of Practice
- Closing Exercise:
- After practice, gently pat various parts of the body to help relax and recover. Take several deep breaths to feel the tranquility and comfort of body and mind.
- Rest:
- After practice, sit quietly or lie down for a few minutes to gradually restore the body and mind to a normal state.
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