Qi Gong
and Health
Practicing Qi
Gong can provide various health effects. First, and centrally, it
improves the connection to one's own body. This strengthens one's
general physical well-being, and can improve the immune system,
physical awareness, attentiveness, and strength. The movements and
breathing improves circulation, the stance improves posture which is
helpful for a variety of problems (including digestion, back pain,
etc.). The exercises stimulate the lymphatic system which helps with
one's overall energy level and vitality. The practice overall
contributes to relaxation and reduces stress, which helps prevent all
kinds of ailments.
But it should
also be noted that Qi Gong is not exercise. It has elements of
physical activity, but it is not the same as the western approach to
exercise. It is also not in any way a substitute for proper physical
care, or western medical care.
Keeping this in
mind, when you are teaching Qi Gong to others, it is important not to
overplay the elements of Qi Gong as being for 'health' or 'exercise'.
Most ordinary people who have heard of Qi Gong already think this is
the main purpose of Qi Gong practice; it can be an easier 'sell' for
people than talking about Cultivation. But Cultivation is the central
goal of serious Qi Gong practice. While it is perfectly fine for an
ordinary person to want to make use of the health and stress-relief
benefits of Qi Gong, you should strive to make it clear that the more
important part of Qi Gong is its use as part of a whole spiritual
practice of Cultivation for the purpose of self-transformation. Even
in the context of talking about health, you should make it clear to
any students that Qi Gong cannot do much for your health if you are
not approaching it from the perspective of transforming yourself, of
changing your habits, your virtue, and your perspective of your
'self'.
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