|
Qi Gong
(02)
...Qigong under
various names has a long history in China. The written records
referring to qi and its effects are as old as 3,312 years (Shang
dynasty oracle bones, Zhou dynasty inscriptions). Numerous books have
been written about qigong during the subsequent history of China. The
development of Chinese qigong can be divided into three periods:
 In
ancient China, people came to believe that through certain body
movements and mental concentration combined with various breathing
techniques, they could balance and enhance physical, metabolic and
mental functions. These movements were worked out over time by
exploring the natural range of motion through the joints, as well
as drawing on motions in imitation of various animals. This
research was passed down and refined according to teacher-disciple
relationships of lineage or apprenticeship. This accumulated body
of traditional knowledge is known as Chinese traditional qigong.
- In later centuries, these
practices became more standardized, very often associated with
religious practitioners. For example, incense burning was
originally used to measure time and also to repel insects during
qigong practice, and eventually became an important part of the
meditative process itself. Over time, new forms of qigong were
created and passed down through various schools; Taoist, Buddhist,
Confucian, Neo-Confucian, Chinese medicine, and the traditional
Chinese martial arts.
- In the 1950s, researchers
began studying qigong using the scientific method, with
peer-reviewed and controlled studies of various techniques to
provide a scientific evaluation of claims for the efficacy of
qigong. Scientific study of this topic is still active, with
particular emphasis in eastern countries, although research into
the medical benefits is also active in western countries.
- Now various medical
universities issue Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Qigong, or
include Qigong in their curriculums...
|
