For more information:
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| What is QIQONG? |
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Qigong (or ch'i kung) is an internal Chinese meditative exercise which uses slow graceful movements and controlled breathing techniques to promote the circulation of qi within the human body, and enhance a practitioner's overall health. There are more than 10,000 styles of qigong and 200 million people practicing worldwide. Our natural method is pound for pound the best internal (joint opening) exercise.
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What is QI? |
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Qi is the Chinese character for air. Gong is the character for effort, discipline, skill. Qigong essentially translates into ¡°energy cultivation.¡±
Traditional Chinese medicine theorizes that when a person¡¯s qi is strong and flows freely in the body, good health is maintained; when a person has weak qi, or their qi is blocked, this person will experience illness or disease.
Qigong helps to build strong qi and keeps it flowing freely in the body for increased health and vitality.
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| What is ZHENG QI? |
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Zheng Qi (vital qi) means the qi of the meridians.
Book Plain Questions says "As the basis of the functions of the meridians, the qi of the meridians greatly influences the function of the qi, blood and organs of the entire body." The onset of disease can be generalized as being due to disharmony of yin and yang and conflict between pathogenic qi and antipathogenic qi. Antipathogenic qi, konwn as Zheng qi, refers to the functional activities of the human body as well as to its ability to resist disease. Pathogenic qi, known as xie qi, refers to all the various causative factors of disease. For disease to occur, there must be present both a relative weakness of Zheng Qi and the presence of Xie Qi. Plain Questions says "Pathogenic qi cannot invade the body if the antipathogenic qi remains strong." "The antipathogenic qi must be weak if invasion of pathogenic qi takes place".
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How does QIGONG fit
into Chinese Medicine? |
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In the Chinese Medical system, prevention of disease is the top priority. The Nei Jing, a medical text written over 2000 years ago, says "to administer medicine after illness begins is...like digging a well after becoming thirsty." Therefore, the ancient Chinese physicians created a complete, effective system of disease prevention called the 8 Pillars of Health, which are:
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1. Zhong Qi (Air-Breathing deeply and correctly to oxygenate and nourish the body)
2. Ying Qi (Nutritive Qi-Eating properly for strength, balance, and health)
3. Qi Gong (Exercise- Circulating Qi and Blood with movement and breath)
4. Tui Na (Massage-Manually restoring flow of Qi)
5. IChing (Shen/Spirit-Self awareness that includes astrology and other arts)
6. Feng Shui (Environment-Creating a safe, calming, freely flowing living space)
7. Acupuncture (Using needles to restore proper flow of Qi through the meridians)
8. Herbology (The use of plant, mineral, and animal ingredients in skilled combinations)
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What are the BENEFITS
of QIGONG? |
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Physical
posture, balance, cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, endocrine, immune and central nervous systems, increased sexual vitality, and more restorative sleep.
Mental
The smooth and balanced flow of qi created by qigong practice shows itself as a joyful, relaxed, optimistic and energized state of mind.
Spiritual
The abundance qi and mental stillness generated by qigong practice supports great mental clarity, and nourishes both intuition and creativity.
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Can QIGONG be done
as CROSS TRAINING? |
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Our Formless training will cultivate the right stuff without creating odd movements or behaviors in your yoga, meditation, or martial arts. Think of this training as the lube or gas for your race car. You can focus your efforts on your passion while cultivating a healthy and relaxed body, mind and spirit.
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WHERE and WHEN
do classes meet? |
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MIT Qigong meets once a week on Monday 7-8pm in Building 1, Room 242. For maximum benefit, we recommend a daily 20-30 minute session. You can do this alone, or get together with friends or family. Members of MIT qigong often meet up for additional sessions. Enjoy a spot by the Charles? In the Common? Out on the Cape? Feel free to start your own standing group! This stuff is THAT easy.
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| What should I wear? |
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Wear anything you like! Loose fitting clothing will be most comfortable, but this formless art could easily be practiced in suit and tie! MIT Qigong shirts are available: $15 for MIT students, $20 for public.
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Athletes and those plagued with Injury often times feel the benefits of this simple exercise IMMEDIATELY. Their desires to excel in sport or rid themselves of disease make daily practice the obvious solution. For the rest of us, we give you the two week challenge: "20 minutes a day for TWO WEEKS". That is LESS THAN 5 HOURS over the course of TWO WEEKS! The benefits are so powerful, you will integrate qigong into your daily life. It only makes sense! |
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Copyright
© 2009 MIT Qigong Club
Website
design: David Weingeist
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