In China
there is no conceptual distinction made between Tai Chi and Qi Gong, in
fact, the terms are used interchangeably. The term Qi Gong is usually
used to denote not only Tai Chi and “classic” Qi Gong, but is also used
to describe such practices as Hsing I, calisthenics, yoga, meditation
and chanting.
Even if we were to stick with the narrowest interpretation of the term
Qi Gong, we would find that in China alone there are thousands, if not
tens of thousands of variations and iterations of Qi Gong practice.
These styles would loosely fall into three major categories; Qi Gong
used as an external and usually martial practice, Qi Gong used as an
internal and usually medically or health related practice, and finally
Qi Gong used as an internal art that is for the cultivation of higher
spiritual consciousness and even enlightenment.
There are inherently potential problems with all forms of Qi Gong. The
nature of Qi Gong in general is to raise the Yang Qi, that is the motive
or metabolic aspect of one’s “ bio-energy” ( as opposed to Yin which is
the quiescent and substantial aspect of ones “bio-energy”). Yang Qi is
brought up in the body either by increasing the actual amount of Yang Qi
or by bringing Qi from the lower part of the body to the upper part. The
problem with an overabundance of Yang in the body is that Yang Qi is
heat and an overabundance of heat in the body can cause; headaches,
dizziness, a propensity to anger and aggression. Excess Yang Qi
eventually leads to over consumption of yin fluids which in turn
generates more heat and can lead to psychosis, stroke and eventual
death. This is especially problematic with the continued use of martial
Qi Gongs.
One drawback to Qi Gong as a vehicle to spiritual cultivation is
similar, the novice tends to become so enamored of the art that too much
time is spent in practice and again an overabundance of Yang Qi causes
the same excess heat symptoms of headache, dizziness and visual
distortion. Eventually the practitioner can become so excessively Yang
in nature that a condition develops that the Diagnostic and Statistical
Manual of the American Psychiatric Association labels “Qi Gong
Psychosis”.
Another problem with this type of practice is that it usually demands
strict control of the breath. Whenever the natural breathing pattern is
changed, the body’s entire physiology and psychology changes. Unless
those changes are monitored closely by someone experienced in what
changes can and should be expected and unless that person is able to
intervene if the changes become pathological, there is the very real
potential for permanent mental and physical damage.
The problems with the aforementioned Qi Gong types can be lessened if
the student is under the expert and watchful eye of a very experienced
teacher and the student is kept from “over practice”. Practice that is
forced, too frequent or done with the wrong motivation (martial Qi Gong
for the sole purpose of show or violence for instance), should be
avoided at all costs. Even if these cautions are taken though, the
practitioner needs to know this; long term practice of martial Qi Gongs
will shorten the life span, period.
A third reason for Qi Gong practice is that of health maintenance.
Health maintenance Qi Gong is divided into two categories; Qi Gong can
be used to supplement and boost the Qi (bio-energy), of the body, or Qi
Gong can be used to “dirrigate” or clear the channels and pathways
through which the Qi flows.
Supplementation Qi Gongs work the same way that Qi Gongs used for
martial and spiritual achievement work. The combined forces of breath,
posture and mind-will are brought to bear on particular organ systems
and the metabolism (Yang Qi), of the organs are increased. This is a
good thing if the organ in question is functioning at a lower metabolic
level than is optimal, but if the organ is already hyper-functional,
supplementing Qi Gong will only worsen the condition.
Clearing Qi Gong is used only when the organ is hyper-functional or the
meridian system is blocked. Using clearing on a weak organ system or on
channels that are already free flowing can cause vital bio-energy to be
drained away which in turn aggravates the deficit condition or weakens
the meridian network.
So how do you know whether to use supplementing or clearing Qi Gong? You
need to be seen by a doctor of Chinese medicine. The doctor of Chinese
medicine will use the four examinations (observation, palpation, inquiry
and osculation), to determine the relative state of health of your
body’s internal organs and the levels of Qi, blood and body fluids those
organs are producing. If there is an imbalance in this highly complex
system, the doctor will discern the pattern of imbalance. Only after the
pattern of imbalance is discriminated can the doctor develop treatment
protocol to amend the condition. The protocol will usually involve
Chinese medicines but will also more than likely include acupuncture,
dietary therapy and exercises such as Qi Gong or Tai Chi for the your
particular pattern.
One type of Chi Gong that balances clearing and supplementation is the
Jade Dragon Qi Gong. Jade Dragon is a blended harmony of movements and
meditations that supplement the five major organ systems while at the
same time removing blockages from the entire meridian system. This
simple, yet effective, Qi Gong was developed in China but refined in
North America to fit more appropriately the average American’s diet and
life-style. Most Qi Gongs were developed in rural China for rural
Chinese, and without modification can be inappropriate of the typical
North American’s needs.
Jade Dragon is the one system of Qi Going that I, as a Doctor of Chinese
Medicine, can endorse for just about any body regardless of their
medical pattern. The system is so balanced that in the fifteen years
that I have been prescribing it to patients, I have never once had any
negative feedback associated with it. It is also so easy to learn, that
it is one of the few Qi Gong systems that can be taught via video. One
to one instruction is best, and that goes for the Jade Dragon Qi Gong as
well. But, the Jade Dragon video was developed by a doctor for his
patients, and as such is quite unique in the realm Qi Gong video
instruction.
Jade Dragon Qi Gong is available on DVD from Island Wellness, for
information on purchasing this DVD, contact us at
info@acupuncture-wilmington.com. |
