Qigong (氣功) is a compound word made up of two parts: ‘qi’ (氣) and ‘gong’ (功).
The original character for qi symbolized mists that rise to form clouds (a). It is also the same as the Chinese character for the number 3. The symbol later changed (b) to distinguish it from the number 3. The character was further modified to distinguish it from other characters (c).
The final version (d) adds a small character under the qi character. The smaller character is symbolic of cooking rice. The full meaning of this smaller symbol is the steam rising from cooking rice. It is, in effect, a nod to the character’s original meaning of mist rising to become clouds. It also adds a meaning of nourishment. So a modern understanding of the character is the nourishing energy that enlivens us.
from The Five Animal Frolics Qigong of Master Jiao Guorui.
"The essence of Qigong is to mobilize the body's functional activities and stimulate movement so as to maintain the equilibrium of Yin and Yang which adjust to and inhibit each other, harmonize Qi and blood, dredge the channels and collaterals and cultivate vitality and Essential Qi."
Jiao Guorui - Qigong Master and TCM doctor
The original character for qi symbolized mists that rise to form clouds (a). It is also the same as the Chinese character for the number 3. The symbol later changed (b) to distinguish it from the number 3. The character was further modified to distinguish it from other characters (c).
The final version (d) adds a small character under the qi character. The smaller character is symbolic of cooking rice. The full meaning of this smaller symbol is the steam rising from cooking rice. It is, in effect, a nod to the character’s original meaning of mist rising to become clouds. It also adds a meaning of nourishment. So a modern understanding of the character is the nourishing energy that enlivens us.
from The Five Animal Frolics Qigong of Master Jiao Guorui.
"The essence of Qigong is to mobilize the body's functional activities and stimulate movement so as to maintain the equilibrium of Yin and Yang which adjust to and inhibit each other, harmonize Qi and blood, dredge the channels and collaterals and cultivate vitality and Essential Qi."
Jiao Guorui - Qigong Master and TCM doctor
Sand Hill Crane
Beginning of Hunyuan Taiji form 13 Postures.
The butterflies came along for the ride.
What is the difference between Qigong and Tai Chi?
Both Qigong and Tai Chi are Chinese exercise systems. Both have health benefits. What are the differences?
Tai Chi is primarily a martial art. Also known as 'shadow boxing', it is a series of movements that are attacking and defensive moves. Done slowly and gently, it can be a marvolous moving meditation.
Qigong is for self healing and self improvement. The exercises are shorter in length and done repetetively. The movements are also done slowly and gently. There are also exercise sets that can be done in sitting positions.
Both Qigong and Tai Chi are Chinese exercise systems. Both have health benefits. What are the differences?
Tai Chi is primarily a martial art. Also known as 'shadow boxing', it is a series of movements that are attacking and defensive moves. Done slowly and gently, it can be a marvolous moving meditation.
Qigong is for self healing and self improvement. The exercises are shorter in length and done repetetively. The movements are also done slowly and gently. There are also exercise sets that can be done in sitting positions.
