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The science of Therapeutic Breathing and inter-related, co-ordinated movement of body and limbs.
Qi-Gong is used as a prior knowledge to Tai-Ji. It is a form of gentle exercise with slow coordinated movements, synchronized in conjunction with correct breathing, to harmonize mind, body, and spirit to either restore or maintain an equilibrium/balance within the body. Qi-Gong can also be used as a form of rehabilitation and stress release.
There are three core types of Qi-Gong – Soft, Semi-Hard, and Hard – used for therapeutic benefit, and, or, martial application. Qi-Gong is practiced to generate, retain, and direct qi: as such it is most well-known for being practiced purely for its many health benefits.
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Qi-Gong is a very ancient art, closely related to the martial arts, but predating them. Its earliest rudimentary forms being practiced almost certainly some 5,000 years ago, and we find that during the Shang Dynasty (18th century BCE) its existence was indicated through reference to qi on some of the oracle bones of that period, and by supportive evidence found amongst some Zhou Dynasty inscriptions.
In those ancient times the peoples of China realised through observation, accidental discovery, and experimentation (for instance articulation of the joints of the body in different ways), that certain controlled movements of the body and its hands, feet, and limbs, allied to different breathing techniques and focused concentration lead to greater stamina, clarity of mind and spirit, and medical well-being.
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Qi-Gong is indebted to the practice of observation of the characteristics of Nature: for instance, the Five Elements and their inter-relationship, which requires balance and harmony, and also the characteristics of other living beings, birds, animals, fish, and insects – hence Daoyin (Wild Goose) Qi-Gong. One of the most famous of Qi-Gong systems is that ascribed to the legendary physician, Dr Hwa Tuo (2nd century) who created his Five Animal Frolics [Qi-Gong] based on observation of the characteristics and movements of the bear, deer, birds, apes, and tiger.
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Qi-Gong is an integral part of TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) preventative and remedial treatment for a wide range of health conditions: Medical Qi-Gong is a specific and ancient discipline therefore, and its use as a standard medical technique used in Chinese hospitals has been officially recognized since 1989.
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