Qigong (Chi Kung)

Qigong (also written as Chi Kung and pronounced as Cheegong) is a body-mind-energy exercise practised in China since ancient times. It is formed by these two words:

qì or chi: means air, breath, or life energy. Describes the energy that is present in all of the universe and that flows through everything. Qi flows mainly through the meridians (acupuncture channels) in human body and keeps the body alive. Traditional Chinese Medicine (acupuncture, massage, herbalism and qigong) is based on this system.

gong or kung: means skill, achievement, result, service or work.

So, we can translate "qigong" or "chi kung" as "life energy exercises". Qigong can increase our vitality and open the energy blockages of the body so that we can live a more healthy and energetic life.

Qigong has been used for thousands of years in China in order to:
• regulate and stregthen the energy flow of the body
• treat illness and heal
• strengthen the mind, nerves, immune system and internal organs
• improve endurance and physical strength
• build a strong foundation for martial arts and spiritual development

Although qigong is based on Traditional Chinese Medicine, it is now researched and applied for treatment of various conditions and as preventive medicine in Western Medicine institutions too.
Medical qigong treatment has been officially recognized as a standard medical technique in Chinese hospitals since 1989. It has been included in the curriculum of major universities in China. The Chinese government listed qigong as part of their National Health Plan in 1996. The Zhan Zhuang Chi Kung System that we teach in our classes has three components:

1. Standing Like a Tree (Zhan Zhuang)

The first step of qigong training is called Zhan Zhuang (pronounced as "jam jong" or "jan juang" and means Standing Still or Standing Like a Tree). This is the most fundamental and powerful qigong exercise and   probably one of the oldest surviving qigong exercises.

In Zhan Zhuang practise you stand still in carefully designed postures in order to recharge yourself with energy and activate the main energy centres of the body known as dan tian. In case of certain conditions, illness and physical disabilities, it is practised while sitting or lying down. During these postures the meridians (energy channels) of the body open, methabolism increases and breath deepens. Certain muscles and internal organs are activated and strengthened while the body and mind relax.

Zhan Zhuang is also the foundation of internal martial arts like Tai Chi, Xing Yi and Bagua, where 50% of the time is ideally spent on it. Da Cheng Chuan gives so much value on it that sometimes it is also called "Zhan Zhuang Qigong System".

Zhan Zhuang is a unique exercise in which you are unmoving externally but growing from within. Unlike most other exercises it doesn't consume your energy but generates energy. The result of regular exercise is strengthened immunity, treatment of chronic illness, high levels of daily energy and the natural regeneration of the nervous system.

2. Movement Exercises

The main focus of the first year in the traditional training is to gather energy and build up strength by practising Zhan Zhuang. In the next level the energy is mobilized in the body and balance and control is increased with various movement exercises. Some of the movement exercises are described in the Da Cheng Chuan section.

3. Dao Yin and Baduanjin (Eight Brocades)

Dao Yin is the general name of the exercises which stretch and open the energy channels of our body.

Eight Brocades (Baduanjin) is a very popular internal stretching exercise for opening the energy channels of the body.

It consists of eight movements which are repeated eight times each. The oldest scripture that mentions baduanjin is from 1150 CE. Another book which dates to 1300 CE, pictures all of the eight movements. It is believed to be developed by the legendary General Yue Fei to help to preserve the health of his soldiers.

Baduanjin is practised to promote health and longevity. According to the traditonal Chinese medicine, these movements open the energy channels (meridians) of the body, strengthen the internal organs and help preserving the health.

Baduanjin can be practised as a standalone exercise or for stretching and warming up the body to accompany other exercises. We practise baduanjin as a supplemental exercise to Zhan Zhuang to help the flow of the increased energy levels in the body.

Health Benefits of Qigong

Some of the beneficial effects of Zhan Zhuang Qigong system that we
teach are on chronic tracheitis, chronic gastroenteritis, chronic hepatitis,
high blood pressure, neurasthenia, chronic rheumatoid arthritis, goiter,
fingers shivering, angina, cirrhosis and cardiovascular diseases. Due to
the increase of blood circulation and metabolism, symptoms of headache,
dizziness or general fatigue are usually replaced by comfortable
feeling of well being.

Please check Programme page for up to date Qigong classes and private lessons.