Qi Gong or Chi kung is an ancient Chinese practice that has withstood the test of time. Its roots date back thousands of years in the vast and rich history of China, where it has evolved from its humble beginnings to become a practice deeply rooted in the culture and spirituality of the country.
The term “Qi Gong” is composed of two key elements: “Qi,” which refers to the vital energy or flow of energy in the body, and “Gong,” which translates as work or practice. Together, Qi Gong can be understood as the art or discipline of working with vital energy to promote health, vitality, and internal harmony.
The exact origins of Qi Gong are difficult to trace due to the oral nature of its transmission over many centuries. However, it is believed that its roots can be traced back to the healing and meditation practices of ancient shamans and Taoist physicians in ancient China. These sages observed the connection between the body, mind, and spirit, and developed techniques to cultivate and channel vital energy to promote health and well-being.
Over time, Qi Gong diversified into a wide range of styles and approaches, each with its own philosophy and distinctive techniques. From the gentle and meditative Tai Chi Qi Gong to the dynamic and invigorating Ba Duan Jin, there is a variety of Qi Gong forms that cater to the needs and preferences of different individuals.
In addition to its benefits for physical health, Qi Gong also has profound effects on the mind and spirit. Through regular practice, it is said that one can cultivate mental calmness, improve concentration, and increase connection with nature and the universe as a whole.
Qi Gong is therefore a holistic practice that incorporates the mind, body, and spirit to promote health and well-being on all levels, dating back over two thousand years.
Jordi Ibern
According to ancient texts of Traditional Chinese Medicine, the human being is composed of five fundamental substances: Qi (energy), blood, Jing (essence), Shen (spirit), and fluids. In this wealth of concepts, Qi stands out as an essential pillar, being one of the “Three Treasures” along with Jing and Shen.
Jing, known as essence, represents the substance that nourishes and sustains all life. It is the very source of existence. On the other hand, Shen, translated as spirit, embodies the vitality and purity found beyond Jing and Qi. It is the luminosity of those who are fully aware, resting in the liver during the night and residing in the heart during the day. Shen nourishes the mind’s ability to conceive new ideas and is the burning desire to live fully.
Qi, on its part, holds a fundamental place in Eastern thought, being a word that encounters challenges in translation to the West. Often interpreted as “vital energy,” this translation is incomplete as Chinese thought does not distinguish between energy and matter. Qi means “air” or “breath,” and indeed, everything in the universe, both organic and inorganic, is composed and defined by Qi. Its understanding is achieved through its various functions, a perspective that permeates all traditional Chinese medicine.
Qi in the human being comes from multiple sources: prenatal Qi transmitted by parents at the moment of conception and stored in the kidneys; Qi derived from digestion; Qi obtained through breathing, among others. Its presence is omnipresent, limitless in its reach.
This dynamic concept serves various functions in the human body: it generates movement, protects the body, forms the basis of internal transformations, sustains bodily fluids, and provides warmth. Different types of Qi, such as organ Qi, meridian Qi, nutritive Qi, and ancestral Qi governing the heart, demonstrate the complexity and vitality of this life-giving energy.
Beyond defining what Qi is, the key lies in understanding its functions. This energetic flow maintains balance, promotes change, and regulates life itself. In the universe of the human being, Qi is the intimate link with existence, as Chinese wisdom declares: “without Qi, there is no life.”
Jordi Ibern
