| What is Qigong? | | | | lifestyle. There are also different focuses of |
| Qigong, pronounced chee-gung, is a Chinese | | | | Qigong, including: |
| method of meditation that has been in use for | | | | * Healing Qigong, which works as a preventative |
| millennia. Qigong utilizes controlled breathing and | | | | and self-healing mechanism, |
| slow, intentional body movements to steady and | | | | * Sports Qigong, which increases flexibility, |
| maintain overall body health. Historically, it has | | | | balance, speed, and other sports-related |
| been used to reduce stress and improve | | | | attributes, |
| wellbeing, and to increase the flow of qi within the | | | | * Spiritual Qigong, which focuses on tranquility and |
| body. | | | | harmony with nature, |
| Qigong is already in common use by tens of | | | | * Business Qigong, which emphasizes a greater |
| millions of people both in China and the rest of the | | | | personal integrity and command of workplace |
| world. In fact, in many cities, it is not uncommon | | | | situations, |
| to see a group of people outside, often in a park, | | | | * And others. |
| practicing Qigong. It often appears to be a form | | | | Additionally, since it is often practiced outdoors, it |
| of martial arts, but is in fact much more focused | | | | can be a good way to take in some fresh air. |
| on meditation and peace. It is also compared with | | | | To find the right style of Qigong for you, seek |
| yoga, due to the physical exercises, and while it | | | | out a Qigong teacher in your area, and feel free |
| shares some characteristics, has a distinct | | | | to sample different methods. To find a local |
| methodology. | | | | Qigong group, try searching in the yellow pages, |
| Within the medical community, it is widely agreed | | | | through a web search, on an online directory |
| that regular use of Qigong can help a person | | | | page, or by asking your friends and coworkers. |
| increase flexibility, range of motion, mental acuity, | | | | You may even have seen Qigong practiced in |
| and wellbeing. Its use is recommended both for | | | | your city or town; if so, feel free to go up to the |
| those who are feeling unwell, whether because of | | | | leader, at an appropriate time, and ask how you |
| a specific ailment or general unhappiness, and also | | | | can get involved. |
| those who merely want to cultivate a healthy | | | | |