Qigong is a simple system composed of gentle movements, meditation and breathing techniques that cleanse and strengthen the immune system and Life Energy (Qi). It can be used as a daily routine to promote health and well-being, reduce stress and help cure or alleviate sickness. It is a powerful system of healing and one of the oldest methods of traditional healthcare in China.

Qigong is a combination of two words in the Chinese language. "Qi," meaning "vital energy," and "Gong" meaning "to achieve or cultivate." So, therefore, Qigong essentially means "energy cultivation."

THE FIVE MAJOR TRADITIONS OF QIGONG

Confucian Qigong: designed to attain higher moral character and intelligence.

Taoist Qigong: stresses the preservation of the physical body, and then higher level of virtue cultivation. (3600 schools in history) Many Taoist Qigong masters lived a very long life.

Buddhist Qigong: aimed at liberating the mind, emphasized the cultivation of virtue and enlightening wisdom, and it considers the human body just a shell holding the honorable spirit. (5800 schools in history, most popular).

Medical Qigong: emphasizes the free flow and balance of vital energy in the body, helps practitioner to take control of illnesses or pains, and also helps to prevent them. Medical Qigong also trained medical practitioners how to use the inner Qi in a dynamic way for diagnosis and healing.

Martial Arts Qigong: trains protection of the body from sword cuts, blunt trauma from other than edged weapons, and safety from attacks by fist or foot. Such methods included Iron shirt, golden bell type methods. It also trains the body to deliver fatal blows that were enhanced with Qi, such as those found in the Burning Palm, or Iron Palm methods. Unfortunately, many martial art Qigong practitioners have died prematurely due to over exerting their body limits.

We teach Medical Qigong. Although all forms of Qigong are reported to have health benefits, only Medical Qigong treats health and curing illness as the primary concern.

Information on "Five Major Traditions" courtesy of WISH (World institute for Self Healing). Visit WISH online at www.wishus.com.