History and Origins of QiGong

QiGong is an ancient form of exercise whose goal is the direction of Qi, or energy, to parts of the body that need healing. It has origins in ancient China. But, no one is certain as to the exact time QiGong was developed.

There are several theories as to the origin of QiGong. Some believe it developed along with the early healing systems. There are exercises that appear to be aimed towards better health in some classic writings that have been attributed to the Yellow Emperor. This person is thought to be the originator of Chinese medicine. The first written references to QiGong are from A.D. 600.

Another theory is that QiGong began as a form of ancient dance believed to remove stagnation and obstruction in the body. It is known that some of the important principles of QiGong can be attributed to the Daoists. The ideas of the Daoists evolved about 2500 years ago as one of the principal schools of Chinese thought. The practice of QiGong may have helped the Daoists live longer than was expected at that time and earned them the reputation as immortals. These are the same roots which produced T'ai Chi Ch'uan.

The art of QiGong is peaceful and dedicated to health and healing. It did, however, come from the same roots and T'ai Chi Ch'uan and Kung Fu. However, Kung Fu is a "hard" martial art that relies on external strength and the use of force. T'ai Chi Ch'uan is a "soft" or "internal" martial art that relies on inner strength and the movement of Qi guided by the mind. The movements can be adapted for fighting. QiGong is not a martial art, but a healing art. It is thought that QiGong was used to help warriors build and focus energy and increase strength, stamina and coordination.

Some believe that the martial art of kung fu was introduced to fighting monks in China by an Indian Buddhist monk in the A.D. mid-500s. It is thought that this boxing-type technique spread through China during the A.D. 600s. It was a mixture of both the Chinese and Indian traditions. The influence of both techniques can be seen in the modern form of kung fu.

QiGong has been used to help people get and stay healthy for thousands of years. It is a gentle form of exercise that just about anyone can do. Hopefully, your journey down the path of mental and physical healing will include the beautiful art of QiGong.

SOURCE

Clark, Angus. "Secrets of QiGung." 2001. DK Publishing. New York, NY, USA.