Chi Kung

'Flowing water never stagnates, and the hinges of an active door never rust. This is due to movement. The same principle applies to essence and energy. If the body does not move, essence does not flow. When essence does not flow, energy stagnates.'  Confucius

 

The term Chi kung (chi gung) means energy work. 

Chi (or chee) = life force - the dynamic continuous movement of life.

Kung = practice or skill or discipline.

Chi kung has been practised by the Chinese for thousands of years and is a system of cultivating health, vitality and longevity. It helps to develop a relationship with the self and spirit, encouraging the flow of energy found in our own bodies with that of the surrounding environment. The Universal Energy Field which surrounds the earth, contains vital energy which we breathe in, absorbing its electrical energy. The surface of the earth holds a 'negative' pole (yin) while the sky holds a 'positive' pole (yang). The electromagnetic energy generated here is called 'chee'. Pollution around us in the form of electric power lines, microwave radiation, television, radio and computers, high-rise buildings etc. all reduce the balance of the electromagnetic fields, depleting the air we breathe. Chi kung helps to restore the human electromagnetic field - allowing the flow of chi to balance, revitalise and replenish.

It is said that 1 hour of chi kung provides all the nourishing benefits of 4 hours of sleep!

More benefits of practising Chi Kung:

  • Opens our joints, meridiens, minds & everything in our energy field.
  • Cleanses mind and body by clearing away stagnant energy that we hold onto.
  • Charges our energy field - 20% of our energy is from food, the rest is from the energy field, sun, water, air.
  • Relaxing - it is a form of relaxed energising!
  • Good for the immune system. 

My practise of Chi Kung began during my 3 years with the School of Energy Healing, where daily practise was integral to my work in Energy Healing. It is a beautiful and meditative activity, gentle yet powerful. The mind has to be 'stilled' during practise, it therefore has a meditative quality. It is the opposite of most sports where competition against others and challenging one self to 'push' the body further are the main points. Sometimes this can be a tricky concept for beginners to realise!  

To find out about learning to experience Chi Kung follow this link: De-stressing Mind & Body led by Yvette.

 

Further reading on a fascinating subject: 'A Complete Guide to Chi-Gung' by Daniel Reid