Qigong: sometimes spelled Chi Kung and pronounced “chee gong”
Qigong is a practice that involves a series of postures and exercises including slow, circular movements, regulated breathing, focused meditation, and self-massage.
There are a variety of styles, and they are classified as martial, medical, or spiritual.
The effectiveness of qigong has been proven in China by its beneficial impact on the health of millions of people over three thousand years. Developing the life force, or chi, is the focus of Taoism, China’s original religion/philosophy. The Taoists are the same people who brought acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, bone setting, and the yin/yang concept to the world.
An important feature of qigong is its ability to train the mind to direct the body’s energy, or chi, to any part of the body. Some believe that, when moved correctly, chi can bring your body to a natural state of balance.
Qigong is believed to relax the mind, muscles, tendons, joints, and inner organs — helping to improve circulation, relieve stress and pain, and restore health.
It’s practiced widely in China’s clinics and hospitals. See also, “Benefits of Qigong“