Qigong

The word Qigong, pronounced chee-gung, is made up of two words. The first being “Qi,” meaning life force or internal energy and the second, “gong,” meaning a method of developing skill through consistent practice. Together, Qigong is a method of developing the Qi through regular practice to maintain health and well-being.
Qigong is a centuries old health care system developed by the Chinese and is still used today. There are literally thousands of systems in existence. Some of them were created to increase the body’s chi, others to circulate it more efficiently and some to cleanse and heal the body. According to Eastern medicine, if the chi is deficient, restricted or out of balance, disease can result. The more the imbalance is, correlates to how severe the disease will be. Therefore, Qigong aims at strengthening the body by affecting the chi of the various organs and their respective meridians (energy pathways along which the qi flows through the body). With regular and consistent practice the overall quality of a person’s chi can be improved, often improving the person’s physical health as well.
What is involved with Qigong? All Qigong is comprised of three elements. The first element is a posture or movement. These movements are not calisthenics nor meant for a good workout as most people think them. Instead, the movements of qigong are soft, gentle and easy for almost anyone to perform no matter what their age or physical condition may be. Each movement is designed to help increase a person’s energy levels and facilitate the flow of qi through the body in specific ways, maximizing this aspect of health. The second element is the utilization of the breath. By learning how to control the breath and incorporate these practices in our daily routine, oxygen intake and respiratory function are increased. Qigong breathing methods can also reduce anxiety and stress, improve cardiovascular function, and have even been found to help with immunity, circulation, digestion and lymphatic processes. Thirdly, Qigong integrates visualization techniques and the use of mind intent to help move the qi. The mind is a powerful tool and when it is used to its fullest potential, amazing changes can be made.
Unlike other forms of exercise, Qigong is one of the only systems that incorporate these aspects of training in order to reestablish the mind-body connection. When this is done, the benefits increase exponentially. Qigong offers a feeling of vitality and can help recovery time from illness and injury. Additionally, it has been found to reduce hypertension, incidence of stroke and heart attack as well as increase white blood cell count in cancer patients. Qigong is not a cure-all, but it is a valuable health care system. In fact, recently on “The Oprah Winfrey Show,” Dr. Oz said, “If you want to be healthy and live to be 100, do Qigong.” He also interviewed a previously overweight couple and put them on a program of qigong and proper nutrition. They have now lost a lot of weight, decreased their medications and have more energy.
David Nemeroff has been studying various forms of Chinese and Japanese energy methods, including several forms of qigong, for over 22 years. In addition to teaching several styles of martial arts, he has taught qigong at various companies including Mack Truck Corporate headquarters and Air Products as well as holding regular qigong classes for cancer patients at the Wellness Community. (The Wellness Community Greater Lehigh offers free programs to those affected by cancer and their loved ones. The mission of The Wellness Community is to help people affected by cancer improve their quality of life through participation in a community of support. They offer support groups, educational programs and programs to help manage the stress of living with cancer such as QiGong, Yoga, Meditation and Creative Expression through Writing and Art. For more information please call 610-861-755 or go to www.thewellnesscommunity.org/glv ).
Anyone interested in seminars, workshops and/or private lessons can call Aikido Masters Self-Defense Academy at 484-245-0567. We look forward to hear from you.

qigong1The word Qigong, pronounced chee-gung, is made up of two words. The first being “Qi,” meaning life force or internal energy and the second, “gong,” meaning a method of developing skill through consistent practice. Together, Qigong is a method of developing the Qi through regular practice to maintain health and well-being.

Qigong is a centuries old health care system developed by the Chinese and is still used today. There are literally thousands of systems in existence. Some of them were created to increase the body’s chi, others to circulate it more efficiently and some to cleanse and heal the body. According to Eastern medicine, if the chi is deficient, restricted or out of balance, disease can result. The more the imbalance is, correlates to how severe the disease will be. Therefore, Qigong aims at strengthening the body by affecting the chi of the various organs and their respective meridians (energy pathways along which the qi flows through the body). With regular and consistent practice the overall quality of a person’s chi can be improved, often improving the person’s physical health as well.

qigong2What is involved with Qigong? All Qigong is comprised of three elements. The first element is a posture or movement. These movements are not calisthenics nor meant for a good workout as most people think them. Instead, the movements of qigong are soft, gentle and easy for almost anyone to perform no matter what their age or physical condition may be. Each movement is designed to help increase a person’s energy levels and facilitate the flow of qi through the body in specific ways, maximizing this aspect of health. The second element is the utilization of the breath. By learning how to control the breath and incorporate these practices in our daily routine, oxygen intake and respiratory function are increased. Qigong breathing methods can also reduce anxiety and stress, improve cardiovascular function, and have even been found to help with immunity, circulation, digestion and lymphatic processes. Thirdly, Qigong integrates visualization techniques and the use of mind intent to help move the qi. The mind is a powerful tool and when it is used to its fullest potential, amazing changes can be made.

Unlike other forms of exercise, Qigong is one of the only systems that incorporate these aspects of training in order to reestablish the mind-body connection. When this is done, the benefits increase exponentially. Qigong offers a feeling of vitality and can help recovery time from illness and injury. Additionally, it has been found to reduce hypertension, incidence of stroke and heart attack as well as increase white blood cell count in cancer patients. Qigong is not a cure-all, but it is a valuable health care system. In fact, recently on “The Oprah Winfrey Show,” Dr. Oz said, “If you want to be healthy and live to be 100, do Qigong.” He also interviewed a previously overweight couple and put them on a program of qigong and proper nutrition. They have now lost a lot of weight, decreased their medications and have more energy.

David Nemeroff has been studying various forms of Chinese and Japanese energy methods, including several forms of qigong, for over 22 years. In addition to teaching several styles of martial arts, he has taught qigong at various companies including Mack Truck Corporate headquarters and Air Products as well as holding regular qigong classes for cancer patients at the Wellness Community. (The Wellness Community Greater Lehigh offers free programs to those affected by cancer and their loved ones. The mission of The Wellness Community is to help people affected by cancer improve their quality of life through participation in a community of support. They offer support groups, educational programs and programs to help manage the stress of living with cancer such as QiGong, Yoga, Meditation and Creative Expression through Writing and Art. For more information please call 610-861-755 or go to www.thewellnesscommunity.org/glv ).

Anyone interested in seminars, workshops and/or private lessons can call Aikido Masters Self-Defense Academy at 484-245-0567. We look forward to hear from you.