what is qi gong

Qigong, also known as chi kung, chi ung, or chi gung, is a system of coordinated body-posture and movement, breathing, and meditation used for the purposes of health, spirituality, and martial arts training. It is a mind-body-spirit practice that improves ones mental and physical health by integrating posture, movement, breathing technique, self-massage, sound, and focused intent. Qigong has both psychological and physical components and involves the regulation of the mind, breath, and bodys movement and posture. The term "qi" means "subtle breath" or "vital energy," and "gong" translates to "skill cultivated through steady practice". Qigong is traditionally viewed by the Chinese and throughout Asia as a practice to cultivate and balance qi, translated as "life energy". Qigong opens the flow of energy in meridians used in acupuncture and Chinese medicine, enhances our ability to feel the Life Force underlying the physical world, and promotes circulation of body fluids. Qigong movements are typically gentle and smooth, aimed for relaxation, and breath is slow, long, and deep. There are likely thousands of qigong styles, schools, traditions, forms, and lineages, each with practical applications and different theories about Qi and Gong.