By practicing Chi Kung we can strengthen the Three Treasures. Because jing, qi, and shen are inseparable, they support and strengthen each other, leading to better physical and emotional health and well-being.

The term Chi Kung is made up of two words. The first, qi, has been translated as the "life energy" or "life force" within the body; Gong has been translated as "work" or "mastery." Taken together, the word Chi Kung can be interpreted as "energy work" or the act of mastering one's life force.

Chi Kung is a healing practice that combines breath control with concentration of the mind. There are many forms of Chi Kung, but they are all basically divided into two types: passive or active. Passive Chi Kung is performed sitting or lying down and resembles the postures we associate with meditation. This is also known as internal Chi Kung or nei gong. In the active form of Chi Kung, breath control and focused attention are combined with specific movements to create a type of moving meditation. Active Chi Kung, also known as external Chi Kung or weigong, is similar to tai chi and yoga.

The practice of Chi Kung is ancient. These exercises were known by various names over the centuries, including Dao-Yin, "directing and guiding energy." Silk scrolls discovered in the Mawangdui tombs in 1973 have silk texts dating back to 168 BC. A chart was found among these scrolls depicting the Dao-Yin postures. The Dao-Yin Tu (Dao-Yin Illustrations) consists of four rows of eleven postures, forty-four in total. In these illustrations, the roots of most modern Chi Kung practices can be found.

There were also descriptions of the postures, instructions for the movements and instructions for the use of each exercise. Certain Dao-Yin exercises were considered valuable in treating lower back pain and painful knees; others were indicated for gastrointestinal disorders, and others were appointed to treat the anxiety. This shows that not only were Dao-Yin exercises prescribed as medical therapy, but that ancient doctors appreciated the usefulness of this type of Chi Kung practice in the treatment of lack of emotional harmony.

As old as Chi Kung is, its development was probably influenced by the ancient Indian practice of yoga. The oldest known documentation of yoga was found in the Indus Valley and dates back 5,000 years. Two millennia later, approximately in the year 1000 BC. C., the Upanishads were written. These comments emphasize the personal and experiential nature of the journey toward spirituality and clarify many basic teachings of yoga, promoting understanding of the principles of karma, chakras, meditation and prana.

In India, the vital life force is known as prana and pranayama is the cultivation of life force through the control of breathing. By breathing with intention, prana moves through the nadi (channels). Important nadi intersections are called chakras. There are many similarities between this energy management system and that of Chi Kung and Eastern medicine. Chi Kung requires the same attention and control of breathing and the movement of qi through the channels of the body. Interestingly, the locations of many important acupuncture points correspond to the positions of the chakras.

While yoga and tai chi have many benefits, we believe that Chi Kung is the best practice if you are new to these eastern healing arts, especially if you have any physical limitations that prevents you from standing for long periods or impedes your ability to move between standing and lying positions. Whether you practice nei gong or weigong, the regulation of the following components is related and inseparable: body, breath, mind (thoughts), qi, and spirit (emotions). The purpose of regulating and strengthening these components is to achieve good health and longevity.

The Three Treasures

These related and inseparable elements can also be understood, in a traditional sense, as the Three Treasures: jing, qi and shen. In Eastern medicine, the Three Treasures are considered the root of life. Jing is openly translated as essence and, in a Western sense, is similar to your genetic makeup; It is a fundamental substance that is closely related to the reproduction, growth and development of the body from birth to death. As we discussed above, qi has been described as the vital, dynamic force that animates the body. It could be considered the current that runs the engine of our metabolism and drives all aspects of our bodily functions. The term shen is more difficult to translate; For our purposes, it can be considered our mind or spirit. Depending on the context, the word shen can mean immortal, god, spirit, mind or soul. By practicing Chi Kung we can strengthen the Three Treasures. Because jing, qi and shen are inseparable, they support and strengthen each other, leading to better physical and emotional health and well-being.

It is far beyond the scope of this article to have a complete discussion of the metaphysical aspects of Chi Kung. You do not need in-depth knowledge of Chi Kung to begin your practice. What is necessary? You should focus your attention on your breathing and be aware of the flow of qi as you move your body with intention.

Chi Kung is a journey. The goal is not perfection, but the progressive improvement of physical, emotional and spiritual well-being.. Patience and persistence are the key to receiving the many benefits of Chi Kung.

Benefits of Chi Kung

The practice of Chi Kung benefits all parts of the body, including all organ systems and the brain. Here are some examples of the benefits of Chi Kung.

Benefits of the Nervous System

Chi Kung offers enormous benefits to our nervous system, both the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system. The practice of Chi Kung helps concentration, improves mental alertness and helps control emotions. The practice also helps preserve vision and hearing as the body ages.

Cardiovascular benefits

Qi is dynamic. It works like a motor that pushes blood where it needs to go. If a person's qi is strong and circulates well in the body, their blood will also circulate well. If a person's qi is stagnant or weak, it will cause blood stagnation, which, according to Eastern medical theory, can cause heart disease. Chi Kung contributes to better heart health by regulating the autonomic nervous system. In particular, these exercises activate the vagus nerve, which is a great way to preserve heart energy, normalize cardiac arrhythmias, and maintain normal blood pressure.

Respiratory Benefits

Through deep, slow breathing, more oxygen reaches the lungs. Slow, deep breathing also activates the parasympathetic (calming) part of the autonomic nervous system. Remember that the nervous system interacts with the immune system. This process helps the function of all cells through adequate oxygenation and improves defensive energy, which in Western medicine we call the “respiratory immune system,” through modulation of the immune system. The lining of the nose, throat, lungs, intestine, and urinary tract contain immunoglobulin A (IgA). IgA is an antibody in the respiratory tract, which protects it from various germs and pathogens and acts as the first line of defense against bacteria and viruses. If the respiratory immune system is strong, immunoglobulin A can fight germs, making it harder for colds and other respiratory infections to develop. This is why those who practice Chi Kung generally have fewer illnesses.

Gastrointestinal (GI) Benefits

Chi Kung can improve the energy of the stomach and spleen, which is related to digestion and absorption. From a Western perspective, Chi Kung regulates the vagus nerve, which also controls digestion. With regular practice, digestive enzymes and digestive movement are kept balanced through the regulation of the vagus nerve.

Musculoskeletal benefits

Once the circulation of qi and blood is improved, the muscles receive more oxygen and blood: the muscles become more resilient, more toned and stronger. Muscle aging is delayed and joints become more flexible. In general, we can maintain a younger body even though we are going through the aging process.

Benefits for the metabolism and the endocrine system

Balanced qi also helps balance the body's organ systems, which helps balance the metabolism and endocrine system. Once again, these benefits are due to the effect that Chi Kung has on our nervous system. The central and peripheral nervous systems are closely connected to the endocrine and immune systems. Neuroendocrine-immune dysfunction can explain a variety of Western diagnoses, such as chronic fatigue syndrome, also known as myalgic encephalomyelitis.

Immune system benefits

Chi Kung helps maintain normal immune function. We've already talked about how these exercises can improve respiratory immunity and help keep infections at bay. For cancer patients, a healthy immune system can prevent infections during treatment. For those without cancer, a healthy immune system can identify precancerous cells and destroy them.

By balancing the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, Chi Kung also balances the immune system, so that the immune system is neither too weak nor too strong. A weak immune system will result in recurrent infections. An overly aggressive immune system can cause diseases autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. In autoimmune diseases, the immune system turns against the body and attacks normal tissue. Chi Kung and tai chi help keep the immune system balanced.

Other benefits of Chi Kung include delaying aging, improving balance, reducing the risk of falls and injuries, and improving memory.

Now is the time to begin your journey and begin your Chi Kung practice.

to see the original article press here