ZHINENG QIGONG

Most effective

‘Zhi’ means wisdom, intelligence, ‘Neng’ means skill (mental as well as physical), ‘Qi’ is life energy and ‘Gong’ is to work. Zhineng Qigong, taken as a whole, refers to working, maintaining and caring for your bodily energy in a smart way that maximises your energy reserves, which – in turn – increases your vitality: Zhineng Qigong is an ‘energy-charger’.

For more than 5,000 years, Qigong was one of China’s best-kept secrets, practiced behind closed doors and high walls, in ancient Buddhist monasteries and Taoist temples, or the private homes of the Chinese elite.

Today, things are quite different. People all over the world can now become familiar with the practice of Qiqong, of which there are 11 officially recognized forms. Zhineng Qigong – which combines traditional Qigong with insights of modern medicine – has been officially designated by the Chinese Government as the most effective of them all.

In the West, Qigong is becoming increasingly better-known and appreciated as a highly effective way to improve physical energy through slow, controlled movements: it is a practice that imparts vitality and tranquillity, without putting high demands on your physical condition. In China, Qigong is considered standard practice for optimising health and prolonging lifespan.

Everyone can benefit

‘Zhineng Qigong is a medical form of Qigong that has the goal of improving the quantity and quality of internal Qi, and stimulating its flow through the body in order to prevent, and treat, physical illness and complaints.

Almost everyone, whatever their fitness level, can practice Zhineng Qigong. It entails simple, calm movements that open energy channels, dissolve blockages, and stimulates the flow of Qi throughout the body. This leads to a sense of deep concentration, relaxation and inner balance.

Its impact on physical health has been extensively researched and confirmed. Regular Zhineng Qigong practice makes it possible to replenish the depleted energy within your body with fresh, new reserves. This helps reduce stress and anxiety, and supports the immune system and other bodily functions in their performance.

The goal of the Zhineng Qigong Level 1 practice is to supplement and refresh the body’s own Qi energy with universal Qi energy.

Most Qigong exercises combine slow movements with calm breathing and a sense of inner concentration. This unique combination of movement and meditation makes – and keeps – the body flexible and allows the Qi to freely flow through the body.

The ‘Lift Qi Up Pour Qi Down Method’ is the basis of Zhineng Qigong. As you perform Lift Qi Up Pour Qi Down, energy will be redistributed in your body and you open up the meridians (energy channels) thus enhancing the quality and quantity of the internal Qi. The essence of the exercise is to draw in universal Qi and let it flow down to replenish depleted energy.

When practicing Level 1 of Zhineng Qigong, the movements of the exercise are gentle, simple and slowly. The combination of movement and awareness mobilises the Qi flow in the body. You propel your internal, depleted Qi out (release), and gather in external Universal Qi (intake). When the exercise is finished, the quantity and quality of your internal Qi is vastly improved.