QiGong, often spelled "Chi Gong" or "Chi Kung", is an ancient Chinese healing art and a regimen of slow movement exercise with controlled breathing and focused concentration, that helps to heal and maintain the physical body. Qi (pronounced "chee") is the vital life energy which flows through all living things. The goal of QiGong is to circulate, build and balance Qi throughout the body to promote physical and mental well being. QiGong is a cornerstone of Traditional Chinese Medical Theory and it has been practiced for over 3000 years in China. It continues to be practiced today throughout Asia, and is beginning to gain popularity throughout the world. QiGong also shares many similar principles with Yoga, Tai Chi, and other forms of Eastern exercise and philosophy, which focus on building internal energetic strength and wholeness of body and mind.
Traditional Chinese medical theory contends that when imbalances in the flow of Qi occur, or when blockages of Qi through the meridian system occur, a person may suffer from illness, disease and pain. The goals of QiGong exercise are to promote self-healing, maintain good health, and to build internal strength, fitness, and balance. By learning and practicing a set of concentrative techniques, controlled breathing techniques, and specific slow movement exercises QiGong practitioners circulate, control, and cultivate Qi within themselves. This Qi then services the body and when property cultivated and stored, may be used in healing others. People who practice QiGong feel calmer, more energized, and in better control physically and mentally. They also look remarkably "well".
QiGong Therapy is the technique employed by an experience QiGong practitioner in which healing Qi is emitted and applied to specific points in the body to actively remove blockages and promote circulation and blance of Qi.
