Qigong healing techniques are a combination of a series of exercises of meditative and physically active elements under the branch of Chinese medicine. They are designed to help you preserve your Jing and strength and help your body and mind by improving the balance of Qi energy flow. It also focuses on enlightening your Shen. The dynamic exercises under qigong healing techniques have aspects of Ying, meaning being it, and Yang, meaning doing it.
The qigong spiritual routine circulates Qi energy through the twelve primary channels, and eight extra channels while balancing it, smoothing the flow, and strengthening it. In Chinese medicine, Qigong healing techniques are significantly used to maintain health, prevent illness, and extend longevity. It is a powerful tool with the ability to restore and maintain harmony in the organ systems, essential substances, and channels. Owing to its many characteristic benefits, qigong is also practiced for fighting and pursuing enlightenment. The most significant benefit of qigong healing practice is that it doesn’t observe any bar on the age of the practitioner. Anyone of any age or condition can do qigong and reap its benefits.
The basic qigong techniques
Concentration
Concentration is the key that leads to Qi energy awareness and results from practicing breathing techniques and qigong exercises. It involves a process of focusing internally and letting go at the same time. Focusing here does not refer to straining your forehead to pay attention. It is through deep relaxation techniques and expanding your consciousness, you will be able to dive deep within. It is about creating a frame of mind that is large enough to encompass the functions of your entire mind, body, and spirit. It should be focused enough to allow the distractions of the external environment and worries to drift away, leaving you relaxed.
Breathing
Breathing techniques under qigong healing techniques were first described in the sixth century BCE by Lao Tzu, as a way to stimulate Qi energy. This moment marks the origin of two types of breathing exercises, including Buddha’s breath and Daoist’s breath. Both methods focused on infusing the body with Qi and meditation.
Buddha’s Breath: It involves extending the abdomen when inhaling and filling it with air and contracting the abdomen when exhaling while expelling the air from the bottom of the lungs first and then pushing it up and out until the chest and abdomen deflate. When practicing this breathing exercise, imagine inviting your Qi energy to flow through channels, and using your mind to guide the flow of Qi inside your body. Remember not to tug at it or push it.
Daoist’s Breath: The Daoist breathing pattern is the opposite of Buddha’s breathing technique. It involves contracting the abdominal muscles when breathing in and relaxing the torso and lungs when breathing out.
As you embark on this journey of Qigong healing, you should remember that Qigong is a process of building awareness of the self, more than the environment that surrounds us.