Send us your feedback! Editor@GBonkers.com

Qigong, Chi Gong, Chi Kung. Howeveryou decide to spell it, the eastern practiceof Qigong is finding its way west and intothe health and fitness routines ofAmericans.

What is Qigong?(pronounced, "chee-gung")

Qigong is the movement of energy, Qimeaning "vital energy" referring to yourinvisible energy field and gong means"discipline" referring to, you do the work.Qigong is the ancient Chinese method ofexercise that combines meditation andslow movements to promote health andrelaxation. Students of qigong learn tovisualize their invisible energy field "qi"and move it through their body to healdisturbances in the function of an organ orbody part, bringing the body into naturalbalance. "The mind leads the qi, and the qileads the blood". This means that you usethe power of your mind to guide andenhance the flow of energy, the positivehealing source through your body.

Why Qigong?Chinese medicine is based in the belief alldisease stems from an imbalance orblockage in the qi as it moves through thebody's twelve meridians. These are theinvisible conduits that energy travels, andalso make up the internal map followedfor acupuncture.

More than 80 million Chinese practiceQigong movements and meditation everyday because they see the rejuvenating

results. The repeated practice strengthensthe immune system and boosts stressresilience, factors medically recognizedas beneficial for treating and preventingdisease. This 5,000-year-old practice hasmade its way around the world treatingarthritis, menopause hot flashes andinsomnia, anxiety, migraines, heart palpi-tations, heart disease and cancer. Thispractice will enhance other treatmentoption you choose to promote and main-tain your health. If you consult with a doc-tor of Eastern medicine for menopausesymptoms or prostate complaints it willlikely include herbal combinations,acupuncture, qigong and massage. A con-ventional medical validation of the heal-ing effects of qigong can be seen at theMayo Clinic where classes are offered totheir patients to promote good healththrough body mind balance and dimin-ished stress.

Qigong is also a solution for anyone chal-lenged by meditation, quieting their mindand sitting still. Furthermore, the numer-ous benefits of qigong may offer a poten-tial alternative to drug-based treatmentsand today's prevailing health insurancelimitations.

How Does it Work? Qi is the link between the universe andhuman being. Qi brings yin and yang intobalance and creates transformation. Ifthey are in step and in concordance theneverything can develop steadily andhealthily. The style of Pangu Qigong

QigongHealing

Using the 5000 year-old techniquefor self-empowerment

By Sabina Fasano

48 Subscribe at www.GBonkers.com

Subscribe at www.GBonkers.com 49Send us your feedback! Editor@GBonkers.com

offers a simple yet eloquent articulationof what this means, "sun, moon, allmankind, harmonize."

It is a natural tendency to cubbyhole theparts of human experience. Is it physi-cal? Is it emotional? Is it mental?Qigong teaches all parts are connectedand we are connected to the universe.With qigong the meditation is a focusedintent and the movements are purpose-ful, creating your own power, freedomand grace.

Intrigued? There are several styles but only twoclassifications. Internal (Nei Dan) softqigong for healing and maintaininghealth, and external (Wei Dan) hardqigong for strength training.

Each style is taught in stages, learningthe graduating levels of intensity. Startout slow and get acquainted with yourqi, feel its flow. With practice you willbegin to experience changes in yourbody and emotions as the movementsrelease stagnant, blocked energy.Notice if old problems and symptomsbecome less problematic or disappearaltogether along with an awareness ofinner peace. Deeper levels of growthcome with practice, patience and morepractice. If you are serious about learn-ing qigong or you simply would like totry your hand at it, seek out a master asyour teacher regardless of how deepinto the practice you go.

Popular Styles Wild Goose or "Dayan" Qigong. Thisstyle is the most widely practiced stylein China and legendary for making thebody stronger, the mind sharper andmood happier. The movements emulatethat of the wild goose, the bird oflongevity. This is a complete healingsystem with a series of 64 postures thatnaturally open the twelve meridians. Asimilar style is Crane Qigong a seriesof movements patterned on the gracefuland harmonious movements of thecrane.

Dao-In Qigong. This is a Tao series ofexercises and disciplines described asthe way to a long and happy life, com-bining movement, massage, breathing

and meditation. The Tao is a healingtechnique that is also a lifestyle. It issaid of those who followed the Taomany years ago, "They ate a balanceddiet at regular times, arose and retired atregular hours, avoided overstressingtheir bodies and minds, and refrainedfrom overindulgence of all kinds. Theymaintained well-being of body andmind; thus, it is not surprising that theylived over one hundred years."

Tai-Chi Qigong. If you would like todevelop your spirit and sculpt your absin one practice this is a physicallydynamic technique that uses the qigongprinciples while delivering a satisfyingworkout.

Budokon. This style is where highenergy meets meditation. It is aAmericanized technique that includesyoga, martial arts, stretching and medi-tation. If you feel an authentic qigongpractice may not offer enough stimula-tion, this system delivers a cardio work-out with a soft ending.

Eight Treasures Qigong. This is aseries of eight movements that build astrong foundation in qi cultivation andbecomes a stepping stone for moreadvanced movements. It challengesthose who are already physically strongand also suitable for those just begin-ning. It builds physical strength, stimu-lates energy, develops flexibility andrelaxes and strengthens the spine.

Pangu Mystical Qigong. This power-ful mind technique transports love and ahug to your heart and soul. A simpleseries of three hand movements thatoffer a rich and effective experience.Pangu is a heart opening and healingpractice suitable for anyone, at any age,in sickness or health and can be prac-ticed standing, sitting or lying down. Ifyou are unable to move your arms orhands or unable to stand, this techniquecan also be learned without physicalmovement, drawing fully on the powerof the mind to aid in the healing of yourspirit, mind and body.

Qigong is comparable to creating amasterpiece orchestration using theinspiring instruments of body, soul,mind, and universe. It is said of a mas-ter, he is like a great musician who sitsdown to play the same masterpiece helearned years ago and has played timeand again, only now he understandswhat the notes truly mean.

Sabina Eve Fasano is the founderand CEO of Solutions for Women, acompany that develops and manu-factures alternative healthcare prod-ucts for women. The company’sflagship product, Femmerol®, is aclinically tested, micronized herbalformulation for addressing hormonalimbalance due to menopause, peri-menopause, and monthly hormonalfluctuations. www.solutionsfor-women.com

GB