What is qigong?

• Developed in China and India several thousand years ago.  In Chinese the word "Qigong" has two characters.  The first "qi" refers to life essence or energy.  The second "gong" means work.  Thus, the word qigong refers to the development and use of qi for specific purposes such as martial arts or healing.
• Qigong has been called "moving meditation."  There is a type of qigong for everyone - young, old, fit, or sedentary. 
• The practice is as hard or easy as you care to make it.  The practices are not just for those with health problems.  You can always improve your health, but also your athletic or academic performance.
• Consistence practice results in increased strength and flexability, increased concentration, improved sense of well-being, relaxation, stress relief, improved balance, and the promotion of healing.

Chi Lel qigong (Zhineng qigong)

• The name means qi therapy.  It can be done by anyone regardless of fitness level.  Chi Lel was developed in the 1970s by Grandmaster Pang Ming who is trained in both Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western medicine.  He is an expert in many qigong forms and also in martial arts.
• The purpose of level 1 is to improve the ability to exchange qi with nature.  This process is as natural as breathing.  By use of the mind one can build up internal qi, thereby improving health and functioning.

Nei Yang Gong

• A natural healing practice used in some hospitals in China.
  
• A natural healing practice developed in China by Master Liu Gui Zhen.
• The purpose of the form is to strengthen tendons and ligaments and to balance qi in the body.

Guo Lin Walking Qigong

• Developed in China by Master Guo Lin who was diagnosed with metastatic cancer of the cervix while in her 40s.  She was told she had 6 months to live.  She lived for another 35 years before passing away at age 78.
• Using the Traditional Chinese Medicine and Qigong theories, she put together an effictive style of qigong which is done while walking.
• Guo Lin qigong boosts the immune system and helps to oxygenate the body, thus helping to fight cancer.  It is believed that cancer cells don't thrive in an oxygen rich environment.
• It is practiced by many cancer patients in China and places such as the Cancer Hospital of Beijing.