What is Chi Kung (Qi Gong)?

The word Kung (Gong), whose Chinese character is 功, can represent the work of plowing the land with a plow throughout the day. From this comes its meaning of “effort” or “hard work.” Finally, the expression Chi Kung (Qi Gong) can be translated as “a practice that seeks to restore the balance of vital energy after sustained, laborious work.

Origin

Chi Kung (or Qi Gong) is a practice originating in China that encompasses a wide variety of techniques, some of them thousands of years old. These techniques integrate psycho-emotional attitudes with body movement and breathing in order to cultivate energy and allow it to circulate properly and harmoniously within the body.

Throughout Chinese history, these arts have been known by many names, some of which are still used today to refer to specific practices within Chikung: Tu Gu Na Xin (expelling used energy and absorbing new energy), Xingqi (mobilizing Qi), Yangsheng (nourishing vital force), Neigong (inner work), or more commonly Daoyin (guiding and directing energy).

The term Chikung itself is relatively recent. It was first mentioned in a text dating from the Ming dynasty (1368–1644), although it was not used in its current specialized sense (“the art of cultivating Qi”) until the 19th century.

Fundamental Principles

In traditional Chinese medicine, the internal energy channels are called meridians. By analogy, they can be compared to a garden’s irrigation system—made up of pipes we cannot see because they are buried, yet are essential to keeping the garden fertile, healthy, and beautiful. Continuing this analogy, the practice of Chi Kung aims to keep this network of pipes in good condition: elastic, properly curved, and free of unnecessary tension that could reduce flow and obstruct the movement of water. For this reason, the appropriate attitude for practicing Chikung is described as “open, relaxed, and natural.”

Applications of Chikung

Chikung exercises, like the practice of Tai Chicultivate the different aspects of a person—body, mind, attitude, and emotions—in a holistic and balanced way. They also help enhance personal capacities, such as martial skills, professional performance, and the ability to restore physical, mental, and emotional imbalances, potentially preventing or even reversing health issues.

Its practice encourages states of calm, generates well-being, and induces meditation, which is why it is also used as a form of personal and spiritual development. In addition, due to their gentle nature and precise execution, these exercises are suitable for older adults or for people with physical limitations that prevent them from engaging in other types of practices.

Learning Chikung

The practice of Chikung allows us to harmoniously synchronize body, mind (heart), and breathing. It is a form of gymnastics—or inner work—that cultivates our vital energy and an art that teaches us how to circulate it in a balanced way. Through relaxation and conscious breathing, we allow the channels or meridians through which our vital energy flows to open.

In Chikung practice, there are exercises both with and without movement. Most are practiced standing, in an aligned posture. There are also simple exercises with which one can begin the practice; when performed regularly, they can have a very positive impact on our lives.