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Article: Qigong
- Article from:
- Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine
- Author:
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Qigong
Definition
Qigong (pronounced "chee-gung," also spelled
chi kung
) is translated from the Chinese to mean "energy cultivation" or "working with the life energy." Qigong is an ancient Chinese system of postures, exercises, breathing techniques, and meditations. Its techniques are designed to improve and enhance the body's
qi
. According to traditional Chinese philosophy, qi is the fundamental life energy responsible for health and vitality.
Origins
Qigong originated before recorded history. Scholars estimate qigong to be as old as 5,000
–
7,000 years. Tracing the exact historical development of qigong is difficult, because it was passed down in secrecy among monks and teachers ...