Qigong – Breathing Exercises

Qigong has a long history in China and is a traditional exercise among the Chinese people for keeping fit. In recent years, it has aroused the interest and attention of an increasing number of people. According to the theory of Chinese medicine, ‘Qi’ in ‘Qigong’ not only means the air we breath in, but actually refers to the inner vital energy. In modern medical terms, it means the resistance against disease, adaptability to the external environment, and the ability to overcome internal troubles and regain health. In traditional Chinese medicine, great importance is attached to exercises that strengthen the vital energy, or the internal energy, Chi. There are many schools of breathing exercises in China; they have been classified into five major schools to include medical, Confucian, Buddhist, Taoist and Wushu or Chinese martial art, each having its own characteristics. Medical breathing exercises aim at strengthening of one’s health and are good for treating and preventing diseases. The aim of the Confucian school of breathing exercise is cultivation of one’s moral character and the seeking of longevity. The Buddhist breathing exercise essentially involves the mind. The Wushu breathing exercise is mainly for the purpose of physical training and the improvement of health. According to research, breathing exercises were first introduced as a health alternative in China as far back as 1100 BC. On a cultural relic believed to be 3,000 years old, the following inscription was found: ‘Take a deep breath… hold the breath there for a while and then exhale it like the sprouting grass until it goes to the top of your head. In this way, the Yang vital energy would go up and the Yin down.’ This is what the ancients called Daoyin, and what we call Qigong today. This is a comparatively systematic exposition of the theory of Qigong. In recent years, greater importance has been attached to the study of Qigong, with heartening results. Many Qigong research institutions and sanatoriums have been set up, making Qigong more popular then ever.