Chi Gung/Definition

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Chi Gung, Chi Kung, or QiGong (Pronounced "Chee Gung") is an alternative medicine. The word comes from the Chinese words "Qi" meaning "Energy" plus "Gong", meaning "work" or "practice". 1

It is a term that describes a Martial-Art related Chinese Exercise system the focuses on cultivating and attracting “Chi”, "Qi" or "lifeforce" energies and is a unique Chinese exercise system. Through individual effort, practitioners build up their health and prevent illness by combining discipline of mind, body and the body's “Chi” or "Qi" (vital force).

This practice includes "regulating the body" through posture, "regulating the mind" through quiet, relaxation and concentration of one's mental activity," regulating the breath", self-massage and movement of the limbs. Chinese Chi Gung has been practiced with a recorded history of over 2,000 years.

Some divide Chi Gung into "Medical", "Martial", or "Spiritual" categories depending on the purpose of the practice. Within China, qigong is generally practiced in two major categories, "still" and "moving".

"Still" qigong lays emphasis on quiet, motionless meditation, generally employing methods of internal concentration and regulation of breathing. It is often known as internal qigong.

"Moving" qigong involves movement of the limbs and body under the conscious direction of the mind, and since the movement is expressed externally, it is also known as external qigong.

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