What’s Qigong?   Well, let’s start with how it's pronounced.  You know those cheesy crunchy snacks called Cheetos?  That’s kind of how it is pronounced Chee Gong (like the gong you strike).  I’ve noticed several spellings of the word as well:  Chee Gong, Chee Gung and Chi Kung.  Sometimes you may even see Qigong written as one word or two…Qi Gong.  Now let’s break down the word and what it means.  

Qi means energy or life force.  There are many cultures that call life force energy by different names.  The Chinese call it Qi, the Japanese call its Ki, India calls it prana (referenced in Yoga), the Native Americans call it manitou, the Hebrews call it ruach,  the West Africans call it Ashi,  Zulu people call it Umoya, Tibetans call it Lung, the Greeks call it pneuma and Hawaiians call it mana,  just to name a few.  This highlights that all cultures, in their own unique ways, recognize and articulate the presence of an animating life energy.

Qi is what moves through all, from the trees to the animals to the planets, and through the human body.  

Gong means 'to work with,' 'to practice,' or 'to do the work.' Together, 'Qigong' signifies the skill of working with life force energy, or the art of Qi cultivation through consistent practice.

Qigong is a more modernized term emerging during the twentieth century.  The word appeared in two publications in the early 1900s. The actual practice of “qigong” goes back more than 3000 years originating in China.  Early names for example are referenced as dao-yin, yang sheng and animal frolics.  So, when you delve into ancient texts, you won't find "Qigong".  Instead, you'll encounter these practices that eventually converged under the modern umbrella of Qigong.   It is my understanding that Qigong is the mother of Tai Chi, Martial Arts, and is the exercise pillar of Traditional Chinese Medicine

What is interesting to me is that qi is not just about the physical like the body(form) but also about our emotions and consciousness (formless).  Through consistent practice one can transform or move our energy state to something that is more cohesive, more nourishing, more in balance.  Qi can flow or it can become stagnant if not moved.   This is evident in the human body when there is qi stagnation, we can feel pain and stiffness.  If left unchecked the stagnation can create sickness not just in the body but can impact the emotions and consciousness.  I also find that stress is a primary culprit for creating stagnation, as it constricts the flow of Qi – our vital life force energy.

I got to thinking more about the word stagnation.  The Webster dictionary says:  the state of not flowing or moving. "Blocked drains resulting in water stagnation “lack of activity, growth, or development.  The antidote, as you might guess, is MOVEMENT.

So, what is Qigong?  It is an ancient way to keep fit resulting in less stress and more energy.

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