QI Gong
Qigong, pronounced chee gung, has been used for thousands of years in China. Many styles have developed since it became systematized during the Warring States period (476-221 B.C.E.), but all styles could be placed into one of three categories: Medical, Martial and Spiritual. Medical Qigong is one of the five main branches of Classical Chinese Medicine (along with acupuncture, herbs, nutrition and Tui Na) and is considered the founding branch from which the other four branches originate.
Medical Qigong can be used as treatment to promote, preserve and restore health. Most people acquainted with Qigong are familiar with exercise or breathing practices. These self-help practices may be recommended by a practitioner as individual prescriptions or used in combination with other modalities. The full benefits of Qigong exercises manifest when using correct posture, breath and intention in a regular daily practice.
Qigong can also be used as energetic point stimulation (a special non-insertion needle called Shi Zhen is used) or energetic pattern adjustment as treatment and may appear at the outset to be subtle but can be quite powerful and profound. Qigong is often used to help to reduce blood pressure, stress and anxiety and to promote a restful sleep. It is often found to be very calming, relaxing and rejuvenating.
