Qigong

Qigong (Chinese气功/气功, Pinyin Qigong, W.-G. ch'i- kung ), more common in German notation also Qigong is a Chinese meditation, concentration and movement form for the cultivation of body and mind. Even martial arts exercises are understood below. To practice includes breathing exercises, body and movement exercises, concentration exercises and meditation exercises. The exercises are intended to harmonize and regulate the flow of qi in the body.

The origin of the exercises is far back as early as Zhuangzi certain forms are indicated, and from the period of the Han Dynasty are Silk pictures before. The name of Qigong has been used for the first time by the Taoists Xu Xun from the Jin- time and referred to since certain exercises in the martial arts. In Chinese history, this practice has always played a major role in preventative health care, but was also for religious and spiritual purposes, especially in Taoism, Buddhism and Confucianism, used and preserved in the monasteries. The term Qigong for these exercises only since the 1950s, however, will use and the different styles of Qigong are part of completely new developments, however, are based on the age-old traditions.

In the 50s, the name of the doctor Qigong Liu Guizhen was used for these health exercises, the techniques used old tradition to promote and stabilize the energy balance of the body and the treatment of diseases in his work.

Etymology

"Qi" (similar to " tchi " pronounced in Japanese and Korean "ki" ) is in Chinese philosophy and medicine both for moving and for the vital force of the body, but also the entire world. In the Chinese language, it has the meaning of breath, energy and fluid. The term covers many manifestations and modes of action. " Gong " as a Chinese term means the one hand, "work", but also " ability " or " skill". Thus, one can Qigong translates as " steady work on qi" or as " ability, ability to deal with Qi to use it."

The practice of Qigong to strengthen the vital energy, prolong life and help you to a healthy mental state.

→ See Panzi Gong

History

The comprehensible historical development of Qigong shows changes in content and objectives. The most important influences came from Taoism, Buddhism, martial arts and traditional Chinese medicine. Here, there is no strict dividing lines can be drawn, the various currents flowed together, branched and became intertwined again.

The influences of Chinese medicine

The oldest surviving work of Chinese Medicine, Huang Di Nei Jing So Wen ( Questions and Answers of the Yellow Emperor to the interior ) is dated to the period around 200 BC. In him the first written evidence found on physical exercises to maintain health.

In 1973, several silk scarves were in the village of Mawangdui, near Changsha, in a grave from the early Han period found partially described with historical texts such as the Tao Te Ching, partially painted. Your age is dated to about 2500 years. A fragment shows 44 people in exercises to guide the breathing and stretching the body. They are named after animal positions or the diseases they are supposed to counteract. Although from that early era of Chinese culture several clues have been handed on qigong practices, it is not possible to derive a traceable method of it.

Although the concepts of Chinese medicine a completely different idea of the vital functions are characterized as the natural sciences, they nevertheless created so maps, of which diagnostic and therapeutic methods were derived. How and why they work, so far only be written in the language of Chinese medicine.

The Chinese medicine assumes that the flow of qi, its qualities and its changes for the welfare or the occurrence of diseases are responsible. From this idea the concepts of Yin and Yang and the Five Phases were developed.

Many people who believe in Qi, have the idea that it circulates in the body according to various patterns. They are of the opinion that there is a qi of the internal organs, which in the channels ( meridians ) and revolves around has a protective effect on the body surface and tightly around the body.

In the medical, so the health -promoting and stabilizing Yang Sheng - Qigong the harmonious interaction of the substances Qi, Jing = essence, Xue = blood and Jinye = humors should be ensured through the exercises. Here, the Mehren and directing the Qi plays the most important role.

Following the principle that it is better to maintain health rather than disease cure, there are medical qigong exercises a large number of rows that are to provide stability to the system to prevent an imbalance. An example is the series of the Dao Shi qigong exercises in harmony with the seasons. Here it becomes clear how much the interior and the exterior be understood as to influence units.

In the eras of Sui and Tang Dynasty ( 589-907 AD ) was the first allied themselves medical ideas and concepts of the Taoist Qi Yang Sheng literature to a separate medical specialty.

The influences of Daoism

As of the beginning of what is referred to as Daoism, a font can be viewed, which is believed to have originated around 400 BC. This font is often attributed to the Chinese philosopher Laozi. This, however, has probably never lived. In the book Tao Te Ching, it is probably more a collection of older, long time orally transmitted sayings that were mixed with later comments. The nearly 5,000 characters comprehensive text deals in often enigmatic and ambiguous formulations with the work of Dao and virtue. Already in the first line, the author denied a clear definition of what is Dao: " The Dao that can be revealed is no eternal Dao. "

The Confucians of the so highly esteemed civilization is therefore only an alienation from the natural order. Instead, the book recommends a life of simplicity. The best ruler is one who does things by non-intervention ( Wu wei) take their natural course. Even more radical ideals of the Zhuangzi, a Chinese philosopher of the fourth century BC, the rejection of any regulation, mocked the public life and the individual Unbound awareness are priced.

In the 3rd century BC, the Huang -Lao Daoism, which relied on the medical teachings of Huang Di in admixture with the teachings of Laozi spread. In this form of Daoism received a strong political meaning, and in relation to the maintenance of the body a certain science. On the other hand, spread at the time of faith to attain by certain qigong techniques physical immortality. The ideal of immortality is in direct connection with the concept of the integrity of a postulated cosmic order. Accordingly, the body will also resistant and intact function as the entire universe, if one knows how to organize it according to the rules of the Dao.

Dating from around 200 AD is by the physician Hua Tuo "the art of the five animals ," and " Game of the five animals " ( Wu Qin Xi ) narrated: " ... therefore practiced the ways of the ancient art of breathing. They stretched their loins and limbs and moving the muscles of the lower abdomen. In this way they sought to stop aging. I have a method, which is called the art of the five animals, the tiger, deer, bear, monkey and bird. "

Among the various techniques for prolonging life takes in Daoism, the Chinese alchemy a key position. A distinction is made between two types: the outer ( waidan ) and the inner ( Neidan ) alchemy. In the outer alchemy is trying to create an elixir of pure substances as possible, which makes the body imperishable. The inner alchemy achieved by meditative techniques, combined with breathing and movement exercises, processes in the body, which should lead to figuratively spiritual immortality. The possibilities of prolonging life, rejuvenation and maintenance of health shall gather under the term Yang Sheng ( " nourish the body "), which is now used for the medically oriented Qigong.

Easy to confuse the name with Yangshen ( nourish the spirit ), which refers to the more meditative methods in which alchemy is understood as a transformation of consciousness.

As one of the highest schools of this alchemical Qigong Tai Yi Jin Hua applies the Zong Zhi, The Secret of the Golden Flower. The technique probably derives from older Daoist sources and is in a work of Wei Bo Yang (around 140 AD), described as the oldest tradition. In later versions of the Buddhist influence is obvious and then the method was in modifications to an important part of Chan Buddhism (Zen). This Qigong is purely meditative and begins with the operation and control of the breath. There are not performed physical exercises. Around the middle of the 2nd century AD split off a religious form of Daoism, the celestial master.

An important role is played by the cure of diseases by means of rituals and talismans. In addition, medial divination had a big role. In contrast to the philosophical Taoism of religious Daoism developed a pantheon of gods that defies a systematic presentation. While in the temples of a more populist religiosity was operated, used from the 12th century, the Quanzhen Daoism in retracted monasteries the techniques of Yangshen Qigong.

Since the end of the 6th century, the influence of Buddhism rose to the intellectual life of China's enormous. However, Taoism was, especially in the upper classes of society, valued and supported. During this heyday, the (907 AD) lasted until the end of the Tang Dynasty, mingled the contents of both teachings, a process that seemed to enter into the theories of classical medicine. Ritual practices, naturopathic ideas and ideological ideas combined to form new concepts. From this period are likely to originate exercises that relate to the seasonal periods of the Chinese calendar, to the bring the Qi of the body of the atmosphere in harmony. The resulting around the turn of the century factory Yuanqi Lun ( collection of texts about the original Qi ) has repeatedly pointed out the importance of the emptiness of the heart (a term which is centrally already in Zhuangzi ) as a prerequisite for access to the original qi and thus the effectiveness of the respiratory - and body exercises.

In addition to the heart, regarded as the palace of the Spirit, even the three dan tian and the so-called Little Heavenly circulation and Great Heavenly circuit play a crucial role in Daoist Qigong. In very often encrypted, hard to understand instructions, the Adept is taught is to clean his Qi and melt to unite the three dan tian or return to the original.

With the beginning of the Song Dynasty Neo-Confucian theories took over the development of the Chinese intellectual life. The Qi has now been studied more scientifically, which was very conducive to the progress of medicine. Taoist practices were pushed back into the monasteries and temples. The main centers of this culture are the Wudang Shan in the province of Hu, the Emei Shan in the south and Laoshan on the east coast.

The influences of Buddhism

The resulting BC in India in the 5th century Buddhism came around the time of China. The transmission of his texts, the sutras into Chinese was suffering in the first instance largely to a lack of in the target language terms. Thus concepts of Daoism were used. Dao was changing for the Dharma, the Buddha's teaching, or for Bodhi enlightenment. The concept of Wu wei, non- action, now became synonymous with Nirvana. In essence found in the early period of Chinese Buddhism the texts of dhyana exercises distribution, breathing, concentration and meditation techniques contained. Here you can also have a greater notion of proximity in the concepts of Prana and Qi find. Prana means such as Qi breathing, respiration, life, vitality, wind, energy, power and the human soul is as synonymous. It combines both the ideas of a universal and an individual force. On the other hand, many basic ideas of Indian Buddhism were opposed to the Chinese ideals of Confucian and Daoist thought, took the process of assimilating several centuries. In 500, the Buddhist monk came Da Mo ( Bodhidharma ) from India to China. Since he, according to legend at the imperial court was not hearing, he withdrew to the Shaolin Monastery. There he meditated continuously nine years in a cave. Then he taught the monks in the method Yi Jin Jing (conversion of the muscles), on the one hand to strengthen their weak constitution and at the same time keep alive the spirit. Just as the technology of bone marrow - washing (Xi Sui Jing ) Yi Jin Jing has been integrated into the martial arts, which are the foundations of today as Shaolin Quan ( Gongfu ) known methods. Also, from the Buddhist tradition known exercises that are intended to cleanse the body and were probably derived from Indian yoga. In the main, however, was interested in obtaining an enlightenment Buddhism cultivated rather meditative techniques, which often fell on Daoist roots. Thus an entirely different viewing albeit in Chinese Buddhist texts emerges the concept of Qi, so connected as in Daoism. There are then more likely to find parallels with the medical opinion. Thus notions of channels are described which are similar to the meridians, and the dan tian can be compared with the chakras of the Indian tradition.

Influences from the martial arts

The already mentioned above techniques of Shaolin monks took slow input into other martial arts schools. The method Yi Jin Jing is predominantly an alternating tensing and relaxing individual muscle groups. This is collected in the edited region, and distributed slow qi and blood. The entire training program can take up to 16 hours a day to complete. For this, however, the warrior monks also show excellent performance. From the preparation techniques for a high combat readiness were practices that were suitable for general health care, such as the Iron Shirt Qigong, transferred to the Yang Sheng tradition. It is a question how far the qi concept can be taken on whether all the techniques may actually be referred from the martial arts as qigong. Certainly in the range of a thousand qigong methods include the so-called internal martial arts Taijiquan, Baguazhang and Xingyiquan that use to defeat the opponent Qi instead of physical strength or skill speed.

Influences of modern times

After the so-called Cultural Revolution in the PRC during which all traditions were frowned upon as a revanchist and were persecuted, the art of Qigong experienced a renaissance slowly. You will now be considered as a unique treasure of Chinese culture and there are efforts to explore the effectiveness of Qi scientifically. Many new systems, especially in the therapeutic range have been developed, other, supposedly very old appeared, and often found spectacular spread.

Especially in the last thirty years, since Qigong widespread public again in China and is funded by the state, has done much in this area. There are reported partly amazing healing results. Worthy of mention, however, in this connection, that in recent years, as more cases of illness occurred due to incorrectly Applied Qigong and also have been set up in some hospitals specialized departments for such phenomena.

In addition to maintaining ancestral exercises an era of experimentation seems to have dawned, are mixed in the techniques of different origins. In the West, are Qigong exercises with methods from their own therapeutic tradition, for example Bioenergetic Analysis ( by Alexander Lowen ), respiratory therapy, autogenous training, combined. Some practitioners, this development is criticized as syncretism, which is on quick wins and a millennia -grown knowledge of profound energetic processes in the body and psyche assimilate disrespectful. The Chinese efforts of a scientific nature of qi phenomenon following Western standards is mentioned in this context. The Sinological dissertation of the doctor Thomas Heise Qigong in the PRC: Development, Theory and Practice (1999) examines in detail in addition to the prehistoric origins of this particular phase of the second half of the 20th century.

In 2003, the Chinese Sports Ministry, together with the Chinese Health Qigong Association ( CHQA ) the restructured health qigong before, which has been found in China by government support a large spread. The old forms

• Yi Jin Jing (Book of slight muscles)
• Wu Qin Xi ( Game of the five animals )
• Liu Zi Jing ( six healing sounds )
• Ba Duan Jin (Eight noble exercises, eight pieces of brocade )

Were examined by the Sports University of Beijing and medical professionals and standardized. In August 2007, the CHQA organized at the same time the 2nd International Health Qigong Demonstration and Exchange, which included an international competition and the first Duan - tests of CHQA, and the International Symposium on Health Qigong Science, on the occasion of which the collected scientific studies and results for health Qigong has been presented to the general public. In August 2009, the 3rd International Health Qigong Tournament event and Exchange will take place in Shanghai. Here also the International Health Qigong Federation was founded as an international association for the health qigong.

Forms of Qigong

There are a variety of different directions of Qigong, including practices from the direction of Buddhism and practices from the direction of Daoism. A total of over a thousand different directions were registered with the Research Institute of Qigong in Beijing, of which only about a hundred were recognized.

Qigong Qigong is only then when connecting at least two of the four components to a unit in the exercise: Relaxation - Tranquility - naturalness - movement - breathing - mental image - tone.

The different forms have different characteristics:

In Daoism is Waidan, the outer elixir, calculated to exercise and martial arts. This includes Taijiquan.

Neidan, the inner elixir called breathing exercises and inner ( meditative and concentrative ) Qigong exercises. Within the Neidan there are distinctions between exercises with movement or in certain postures, exercises of dieting the Qi ', qigong massage, medical qigong and healing methods with qi.

Other meditative methods are seen as spiritual enlightenment exercises.