Saskatoon Nine Dragon Baguazhang
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Albert Community Centre
610 Clarence Ave S.
Saskatoon, SK
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Qigong
Qigong is a relatively recent designation for various physical movements, breathing methods and visualization skills. The word “qigong” came to the fore in the 1950’s after western medical doctors began to investigate these intriguing Oriental exercises and required something by which to call them. “Qi” is a modifier that is not, typically, a word that stands alone in Mandarin. It is a nebulous word to define, because “air,” “atmosphere,” and “energy” do not do it justice.
The implied meaning of “Qi,” derived from analysis of the pictograph depicting the word, is that mysterious and unseen process by which one thing acts upon another. Consider these relatively invisible processes: fire heating water to steam and steam rattling the pot lid; wind moving through the trees; the manner in which we derive sustenance by transforming food into our body. Anything that cannot be explained can be attributed to “qi,” an unseen and mysterious force. This has led many practitioners to posit a quasi-magical, supernatural force is active in the universe. As we learn how the world works, however, we are able to reduce the number of processes that we can find no cause for. At this time, science has been able to identify four fundamental forces operating throughout the known universe. Not all natural phenomena have been explained, but the ones that have, have been explained through the use of these four forces. If we do not have to postulate a new force to explain things, our explanations remain simpler and more viable.
Despite scientists’ views on the matter, many teachers, practitioners, books and DVDs discuss “feeling the Qi.” We can usually all agree that each practitioner feels some sensation when practicing “qigong” exercises. Many of these sensations can be explained without recourse to New Age magic. Many are commonplace sensations that the practitioner notices with more intensity than normal. Some are regular bodily sensations that the practitioner has never paid attention to before. Often they are the result of increased blood flow, muscular relaxation, enhanced attention, and reduced tension. If these occur in combination, they can be difficult to separate and identify.
In the Daoqiquan qigong theory, we define “Qi” as the vital energy that sustains our health and longevity. We can also define “Qi” as the myriad processes and transformations necessary to optimize our health, bring us vitality, and enhance our longevity.
The word “Gong” in “qigong” means skill. However, “gong” is clearly associated with the short phrase “gongfu” or, as we know it in the West, “kung fu.” In the western world, this term came to be associated with Chinese martial arts primarily due to the popularity of the television show called “Kung Fu” and starring the late David Carridine. The term “gong fu” actually means skill derived through hard work performed over a long time. So the word “gong” in “qigong” implies this skill requires time and effort to master.
So, for Daoqiquan students, “qigong” means the skill of systematically developing and maintaining vitality, health and longevity over time.