Ancient Secrets Revealed

Qigong is a Chinese form of training that seeks to coordinate breathing patterns with movements.  Qigong is rooted in the belief that energy flows in the body and that practicing qigong can help to balance the energy and keep a person healthy.

There are two sides to qigong.  On one hand people see it as a medical practice that is a great stress management tool.  On the other hand people see it as a spiritual practice that helps to balance the energy in the body.

The difference between the two ideas about qigong is what causes a lot of the controversy and criticism over the practice. 

Medical qigong is an actual recognized medical practice in China.  It is regulated and listed in the National Health Plan.  Additionally, qigong is recognized elsewhere in the world as being beneficial for health due to its stress relieving nature.  Qigong helps to teach diaphragmatic breathing which is an effective tool against stress.

The spiritual qigong is what brings up the debate.  Those who practice qigong on a spiritual level practice with the belief that energy is directly related to health.  It is through qigong that they ensure their energy is balanced and therefore their body stays healthy.

Additionally, spiritual qigong is associated with the ideas that a person needs to be connected with nature.  Through the breathing exercises of qigong a person can connect to the universal nature and therefore help to keep their body healthy.

The criticism of spiritual qigong is that there is no scientific evidence that energy plays any part in a person’s well being.  The idea that qigong works simply because it balances energy and connects a person to the universe is scientifically unfounded and therefore criticized by science.

Other issues with qigong have been the mainstream popularity of it throughout the western world.  Many people are learning qigong from videotapes and books instead of from a trained teacher.  These people are likely not learning the correct techniques or postures and therefore not getting the benefits qigong has to offer.

Additionally, there have been people using qigong for financial gain.  They claim it is a magical cure all and promise miraculous results.  This is truly straying from the nature of qigong and gives the practice a bad reputation.

Qigong is no doubt a great practice in stress relief.  However, the best way to learn qigong is through a trained teacher.  It is important to understand that qigong is an exercise and not a miracle cure.