Qigong (C'hi Kung)
Qigong - the translation of the Chinese expression already indicates what this motion system is all about. "Qi" is the Chinese word for the body's vital energy and "Gong" can be translated as "work". So Qigong is what is nowadays known as "energy work".
The purpose of Qigong is to keep the vital energy Qi circulating in the body with the help of soft movements and focused concentration. This serves to maintain the body healthy because according to Traditional Chinese Medicine any illness is caused by a blockage of the vital Qi energy in the meridians, the body's energy channels.
The Chinese knew about this already 2500 years ago, so it is no wonder that the oldest historic records on Qigong date back to times before Christ.
Qigong developed out of Daoist life prolonging exercises which were supposed to make the practitioner immortal. Later Qigong underlied other influences as well, so today there is a great number of different Qigong systems. Yet, they all sahre the same basic principle: Tranquility and movement complement each other, the movements are relaxed and natural and the mind (Yi) guides the energy flow (Qi).
Qigong can be learned and practiced at any age. It improves concentration, memory, balance, stamina, perception and self-control. Thus it is highly valued in China as an important measure for health maintenance and there is scientific proof that it decreases stress, relieves tension, improves circulation, strengthens the inner organs, builds up energy and prevents and heals illnesses. In addition regular practice also leads to joy and composure which greatly benefit health as well.
Qigong by the way was not always known under this name. The modern expression "Qigong" was not coined before the middle of the 20th century. Before that Qigong was known as Tuna, Xingqi, Liandan, Xuangong, Dinggong, Xinggong, Neigong, Xiudao, Zuochan or Neiyanggong. The expression "Daoyin Yangsheng" was also very popular and is still used frequently today. "Daoyin" means "to guide" and "Yangsheng" stands for "to nurture life".
The Daoyin Yangsheng Gong (DYYSG) taught at WuYuan is a so-called Qigong in motion (dongong). This signifies a motion system practiced in combination with the right breathing technique and focused concentration that aims to keep Qi circulating evenly in the body. Since scientific research and statistics prove its positive effects on health Daoyin Yangsheng Gong is the only Qigong system taught in Master's degree courses at Chinese universities. It is divided into eight systems: (1) the meridian system, (2) the heart-circulatory system, (3) the liver-spleen system, (4) the digestive system, (5) the nerve system, (6) the muscle-tendon system, (7) the health maintenance system und (8) the respiratory system.
Apart from Daoyin Yangsheng Gong WuYuan also offers Zhineng Qigong ("Zhi" = knowledge, "Neng" = ability), "Baduan Jin" (the Eight Pieces of Brocade), "Wuqinxi" (Five Animal Play) and the 18 Health Maintenance Exercises (Liangong shiba fa). For organizational reasons Qigong can be taught only once a week, so Wuyuan offers Qigong Workshops every few months.
