Qi Gong

Qi Gong consists of repeating quite simple exercises and success depends on mental attitude, correct posture, correct breathing and perseverance.

The same exercises have to be done again and again in order to have the required effect, and in some hospitals in China, where Qi Gong has been successfully used in the treatment of cancer, patients may practise for at least four hours each morning.

In order to understand the effectiveness of Qi Gong, it is important to accept the idea that matter is not static, but is always in a state of change; that matter is in fact a condensation of energy.

It is not inert and it can be altered. Chinese medicine assumes that there is energetic interchange between matter arid energy, hi the same way, the breath may be used and directed to affect the material structures of the body.

Nevertheless, deriving benefit is a slow process, which requires a great deal of perseverance! Tai Ji Juan may be seen as a more gentle and preventive therapy, although it is no less effective if practised diligently.

It is particularly valuable in maintaining balance and a good flow of energy through the meridians and organs. It calms the mind by regulation of the breathing and helps to unify mind and body by concentration on the movements of the exercises.