Shaolin qigong is a Chinese meditative exercise that aims to move life force throughout the body. It offers many benefits, including increased strength, flexibility, and balance, and can improve the health of various systems in the body. It is similar to Tai Chi and is often used in martial arts training. While there is no scientific proof of its benefits, practitioners report feeling relaxed and less stressed after exercising. It is considered an alternative health therapy and should be used to complement traditional forms of medicine.
Shaolin qigong is an ancient form of meditative exercise. It originated in China, and was first practiced by monks in the Shaolin temple. Shaolin qigong practitioners claim that it offers many benefits, including increased strength, flexibility, and balance, and improves the health of various systems in the body, such as circulation and digestion.
The practice of qigong is similar to Tai Chi, which is also a popular Chinese exercise throughout the world. Martial arts students often use qigong in their training. Some people even consider qigong to be a martial art. The exercises combine slow, flowing movements, deep breathing, and focused meditation, similar to many forms of yoga.
The name qigong comes from the Chinese word qi, pronounced “chee,” which is a life force or universal energy, and “gong,” meaning effort or achievement. Shaolin qigong exercises are intended to move this life force throughout the body. Practitioners believe that energy blockages can alter a person’s physical and mental health. By doing qigong exercises, they can remove these blockages and balance the flow of energy throughout the body.
Qigong exercises can be divided into four types: static, dynamic, meditative, and those that use external elements. With static qigong, the person must hold a particular sign. Dynamic exercises use specific, slow movements. Meditative qigong uses meditation and visualization techniques. Other types use external aids such as herbs and fragrances or massage from a third party. Most shaolin qigong practitioners use a combination of these types.
Most shaolin qigong teachers say that it can take many years of daily practice to perfect the techniques. It may seem daunting, but practitioners of the exercises sometimes begin to see benefits within a few weeks. In addition to a general sense of well-being, people report feeling relaxed and less stressed after exercising. Some research suggests that daily practice can lower blood pressure, increase blood levels of HDL, or good cholesterol, and lower LDL, or bad cholesterol. Some patients with diabetes or asthma also report some symptom relief after practicing qigong.
There is no scientific proof that qi exists, or that the practice of Shaolin qigong provides the health benefits claimed by its adherents. It is considered an alternative health therapy, and most doctors recommend that practitioners use it to complement traditional forms of medicine. With that in mind, those who wish to try the exercises can do so by searching for local classes, purchasing a qigong DVD, or visiting a qigong training website.
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