Qi Gong (qigong, chee gong) is appearing in the news more often, and often without an overview of what Qi Gong really is—a comprehensive term for four different aspects of health practices conducted since prehistoric times throughout the area we now call China.

Clinical Qi Gong (Medical Qigong, Qi Healing) is performed by a trained clinician (Qi Healer and/or Qi Therapist) as a system of assessment, correction, and recommendations to affect a specific imbalance or ailment.  In other words, a person seeks a practitioner of Clinical Qi Gong when they are experiencing less than optimal health. Clinical Qi Gong has been a major healthcare modality for thousands of years. The recommendations made by a Qi Therapist will probably involve a specific still or moving meditation, chosen from thousands of possibilities.

Qi Gong Routines (Swimming Dragon, Soaring Crane, Do Yin, Wuji Jing Gong Qi Gong, Tai Chi, etc.) are poetically named moving meditations, often based on the movement of animals. They are widely performed to maintain health by attracting and circulating Qi (the vital life force) abundantly.

Quiet Qi Gong (quiescent or still meditations) employ the principles of classical Chinese Medicine to access and enliven specific acupoints, images, or breathing techniques for general good health, or as a specific remedy suggested by a Qi Therapist.  Some of the more widely used quiet meditations include Dantien Breath, Quiet Standing, seeing color, or mind-sensing, and so forth.

If you are curious, seek a knowledgeable teacher for best results.

Master Qi Healers Fran Maher and Brian Coffey teach Qi Healing/Therapy skills in weekend Clinical Qi Gong Seminars at the Qi Gong for Healing Center. Weekly classes in Tai Chi and Qi Gong Routines are also available at the Center, along with therapeutic massage, acupuncture, and yoga classes. 67 Mountain Blvd in Warren, NJ. 908-647-1563 or www.QiGongforHealing.com.