Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Beginners Guide to
Understanding
Qigong
By Franklin Fick
Smashwords Edition
Copyright 2012 Franklin Fick
Disclaimer
This book is intended for informational purposes only. The author(s) and publisher of this book
disclaim all responsibility for any liability, loss , injury, or risk, personal or otherwise, which is incurred
as a consequence, directly or indirectly from reading and or following the instructions contained herein.
This book is not designed to, and does not, provide medical advice. All content is for general
informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical
advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it
because of something you have read in this book.
Please consult your physician before starting this or any exercise program.
Table of Contents
Introduction................................................................................................................................................6
Part 1- Qi....................................................................................................................................................8
What is Qi?..............................................................................................................................9
Qi - The Basics......................................................................................................................10
Qi According to Chinese Medicine.......................................................................................11
The Six Functions of Qi........................................................................................................12
1. Transforming............................................................................................................12
2. Transporting.............................................................................................................12
3. Holding....................................................................................................................12
4. Raising.....................................................................................................................12
5. Protecting.................................................................................................................13
6. Warming...................................................................................................................13
Part 2 - Qigong.........................................................................................................................................14
What is Qigong?....................................................................................................................15
Types of Qigong....................................................................................................................16
1. Medical Qigong.......................................................................................................16
2. Specific Qigong.......................................................................................................16
3. General Health Maintenance Qigong......................................................................16
History of Qigong .................................................................................................................17
Qigong Theory......................................................................................................................18
1 - Three Regulations...................................................................................................18
Regulate the Posture...........................................................................................18
Regulate the Breath............................................................................................18
Regulate the Mind..............................................................................................18
2 - Natural and Relaxed...............................................................................................19
3 - Consistent Practice.................................................................................................19
Advanced Qigong Theory.....................................................................................................20
Qigong Health and Longevity...............................................................................................22
Qigong Promotes the Circulation of Qi and Blood......................................................22
Qigong helps to Relieve Stress and Tension................................................................22
Deep Breathing has many benefits..............................................................................22
Qigong keeps the joints strong and flexible.................................................................22
Qigong promotes better digestion and elimination......................................................23
Qigong promotes better sleep......................................................................................23
Qigong promotes the health of the Central Nervous System.......................................23
Part 3 – Qigong Practice..........................................................................................................................24
The Best Qigong System.......................................................................................................25
Qi Gong- should you mix and match different styles?..........................................................26
Qi Gong- Fitness that can fit into any schedule. ..................................................................27
Qi Gong: How to Find the Best Place to Practice ................................................................28
http://QigongExercise.net
• Instant Downloads
• Detailed Instructional Video Lessons
• Many Different Qigong Styles
• Choose the One that is Right for You
• Experience the Benefits For Yourself
Introduction
In this report I am going to share with you the information you need to know about Qigong. It doesn't
matter if you are a complete beginner or if you have been interested in Qigong for a long time. This
report will present to you solid information about Qigong without any mysticism or talk about secrets.
So why is there a need for this type of report? The problem is that some people who teach or promote
Qigong make Qigong seem mystical or they try to convince their students that Qigong is something
secret or mysterious. By doing this these teachers can elevate their status, gain more devotion from
their students (customers), and can charge more money for their secrets. But the reality of Qigong is
very different. This report will clear up this confusion. If you are a beginner, then the information in
this report will give you a solid understanding and you will not be confused by other things you might
read or hear about Qigong. If you have some experience in Qigong, then this report will help you gain a
clearer understanding of what Qigong is and clear up some of the confusion that you might already
have.
My name is Franklin Fick. I have practiced Chinese Qigong and Traditional Chinese Martial Arts for
over 20 years. I have a Masters Degree in Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine. I have been
a teacher of Qigong and Traditional Chinese Martial Arts for over 15 years. I have seen the benefits of
Qigong in my own practice, in my students, and also in my clinical practice of Acupuncture with my
patients.
Through my experience I have realized that many students suffer from incorrect ideas about Qigong
and this incorrect understanding keeps them from developing their practice and reaping the benefits of
Qigong. These types of misunderstanding are easily corrected but difficult to get to the public, because
it seems that people fantasize about the mysterious or search for a secret that once known will solve all
their problems. In reality Qigong is simple and the benefits of practice are available for everyone who
will take the time to learn correctly and to practice diligently.
My hope is that this short report will help those just starting on their path of Qigong practice and that it
might also help those people who have been at it a while but might now fully understand what Qigong
is. With this straightforward and honest information available I would love to see more and more
people start to experience the benefits that Qigong practice can offer.
Part 1- Qi
What is Qi?
The first question that a student has is – What is Qi?
The problem is usually that the student has a notion of what they think Qi is, what it should do, and
what it will do for them. Usually these preconceptions or belief about Qi are very convoluted and can
range from notions that Qi is some mysterious force or that it gives the practitioner superpowers. This
type of understanding does nothing to further the student's practice of Qigong, but instead will leave
them confused and disappointed when they don't experience what they expect.
Lets start with the basics- the Chinese character for Qi is 氣 and it is pronounced “Chee”, like the first
part of the word cheese.
Qi is not a mysterious force- even though we can not see it or measure it accurately with scientific
equipment. The best translation for Qi is energy and it is everywhere. We have it in our bodies, it is in
other living things, and all around us. If we feel energetic and full of energy, we can say that our Qi is
strong and if we feel tired and run down, we can say that our Qi is weak. Understanding Qi can be that
simple. If we are alive we have Qi, if our energy runs out, then we cease to live.
Qi - The Basics
Here is the bare bones of what you need to understand about Qi.
When you are born you get what is called Prenatal Qi from your parents. You can think of this as your
genetic makeup. This is the base material from which you have to work with in life. This can not be
changed. This includes things like physical characteristics- height, bone structure, the state of your
organs (think about what is called genetic defects), etc. We also get what is sometimes called our
constitution. This is the base from what you have to work with in life.
After we are born we are nourished by what is called Postheaven Qi. Simply put, after we are born we
get energy and nourishment from two main sources: the air we breath and the food we eat. The air we
breath and the food we eat keeps us alive and healthy. These sources give us the nutrients and the
building blocks that we need to repair ourselves and maintain our health and well being.
So what this means is that we are born with a certain constitution and genetic makeup and throughout
our life we can keep ourselves healthy and at our optimal state through three different things: diet,
exercise, and lifestyle. All three of these things can either enhance our energy or deplete it. Qigong falls
under the category of exercise. And if you notice, that is only one of the three. In other words Qigong
can be a big part of keeping yourself healthy and functioning at an optimal state but it is only part of
the picture. Other parts of your life are also important- namely diet and lifestyle.
The practice of Qigong helps to keep the energy in the body flowing freely so that every part of the
body can get the energy and the nutrients that it needs to maintain itself, repair, and grow stronger.
1. Transforming
Energy or Qi in the body is responsible for carrying out transformational processes. In Chinese
Medicine these processes include: the Spleen transforming the food we eat into the material that
is utilized to nourish and repair the body, the Kidneys transform fluids, the Bladder transforms
urine, the Heart transforms raw materials into blood. In a western sense we can look at any
metabolic process as an act of transformation. Transformation takes place all over the body and it
is one reason why Qi or energy is important.
2. Transporting
Energy or Qi is responsible for transportation. In Chinese Medicine some of the different
classifications of transportation include: the transportation of vital substances, the transportation
of fluids, and the transportation of energy. Different organs play their role and the Qi of the organ
is what carries out the role.
3. Holding
Energy or Qi is responsible for holding. The Heart holds the blood in the blood vessels, the
Kidney and Bladder hold the urine, and the Lungs hold the sweat. With a larger perspective we
can understand that the body is made of many membranes and tissue, some of them large and
going down in size to the individual cell walls. All of these structures depend on energy or Qi to
maintain their integrity.
4. Raising
Energy or Qi is responsible for raising. This is important because one of the main natural forces
that we encounter at every second is the force of gravity. The Spleen is responsible for raising the
organs and the Kidneys send energy upwards.
5. Protecting
Energy or Qi is also responsible for protecting the body from external pathogens. This protective
function is governed by the Lungs. Think about how when you are tired and run down (lacking
energy) you are more susceptible to catching a cold. Strong energy can protect the body from
colds and other environmental factors that can damage the health.
6. Warming
Energy or Qi is responsible for warming the body. In fact many of the processes in the body
either depend on heat or produce heat. This is all a function of the body's energy.
You will notice that these processes or functions of Qi are all concrete physiological things. They are
based in the real world and how the body functions. Now some of the explanations do not follow the
western paradigm, but they do describe physical aspects and functions of the body. Practicing Qigong
can strengthen the Qi and by doing so it strengthens the body's functions.
Part 2 - Qigong
What is Qigong?
Qigong is exercise. It is exercise for the entire body, the breath, and the mind. It is a way to bring the
body back into balance and a way to strengthen the body. It is exercise with an extremely long history.
In Chinese Qigong is written: 氣功. Qi means energy and Gong means work or exercises. So literally
Qigong means exercises for your energy.
Qigong is a fairly modern term. Traditionally the exercises that we know today as Qigong were called
Nei Gong or Dao Yin. These two terms go back to ancient times. Nei Kung means Internal Exercises.
Dao Yin means Leading and Guiding because the postures lead and guide the Qi or energy through the
body for different purposes depending on the exercise or exercise set.
Qigong is the modern term that encompasses many different exercises. There are thousands of unique
styles of Qigong. So in reality the term Qi Gong is not very descriptive. It is like saying
"transportation." But are we talking about air, water, train, automobile, space, etc? Each type of
transportation is similar in that involves moving from point A to point B but beyond that each form of
transportation can be vastly different. It is the same with Qigong.
What Qigong styles have in common is that they all work with the body’s energy. Beyond that they can
be vastly different. There are moving Qi Gongs and stationary Qi Gongs. Some are for general health
maintenance. Some are for specific illnesses. Some are for developing certain attributes like Iron Palm
for the martial arts. But, each style of Qi Gong works with the body’s energy.
There are Qigong systems that are very ancient, having been passed down from one generation to the
next. There are also modern Qi Gong systems that have been recently created. Many people benefit
from both types. People praise the ancient Qigong systems as having passed the test of time and the
creators of the modern systems site improvement and innovation as their motivation.
If you are just starting Qigong it is important to find out and learn about the style you are interested in.
What is its history, characteristics, and goals.
If you have practiced a style of Qi Gong for a while it is important to realize that other styles might be
different from your own, have different methods of practicing, different characteristics, and different
goals.
Types of Qigong
There are many different types of Qigong. I personally like to classify Qigong into three main
categories based on the goals and methods of practice.
1. Medical Qigong
These are exercises that are specifically practiced to address a specific imbalance or disharmony in the
body. Once this disharmony is gone then the exercise is no longer needed. These are specific practices
for specific purposes. The application and selection of the practice of Medical Qigong requires training
and skill. This is really a part of Traditional Chinese Medicine. It is beyond the scope of normal
practitioners and it is not the subject of this site.
2. Specific Qigong
This is Qigong that has a specific purpose or a specific aim of practice but is not related to imbalances
related to illness. These types of Qigong maybe for Martial Arts and include practices such as Iron
Palm, Iron Shirt/Iron Vest, or other power practices. These types of practices also include specific
practices sometimes related to meditative and cultivation traditions where specific exercises have
specific goals such as opening an energy channel or moving energy in the body in a very specific way
to achieve a very specific result.. These practices are usually not trained alone but instead are part of a
complete system. The other trainings in the system usually help top balance out the practitioner and
prevent harm. Some of these practices should only be attempted and trained under the guidance of a
qualified teacher. This type of Qigong practice is not the subject of this book and is not something that
should be trained unless you are under the supervision and instruction of a qualified teacher with an
authentic knowledge of the complete system they are transmitting.
History of Qigong
The origins of Qigong go all the way back to prehistoric times, but these types of practices were not
always called Qigong. In fact, Qigong is a rather new term for these types of exercises. The ancient
terms for the practices that we call Qigong today were Dao Yin and Nei Kung. Dao Yin translates to
mean leading and guiding and the name describes how the movements of the exercises lead and gudie
the circulation of Qi or vital energy throughout the body. Nei Kung translates to mean internal work or
internal exercises.
One possible origin of the practices that we call Qigong today could be dance, which was an integral
part of society in ancient times. Dance was used in ceremonies, in celebrations, and also by Shamans
who among many other things were also responsible for health care and curing the sick.
It is very likely that the practice of dance evolved into a system of movement that was used to maintain
health and cure disease. What we do know is that there are are very early records back to 200BC that
describe how Dao Yin was used to cure certain ailments. Later texts and works actually show that this
system of knowledge became well refined though time, with exercises being listed for many different
ailments and diseases. In addition to the exercises that were prescribed for certain ailments, there has
also always been more general health maintenance practices that were advocated by teachers and
practitioners. These systems of practice could include things like self massage, movement exercises,
breathing exercises, and static exercises and the goal of practice was to maintain good health and
achieve longevity.
Over the years there have been a vast number of Qigong systems that have been developed and
practiced. Many of these systems have probably been lost to history, but many of them have stood the
test of time and have been passed down and enjoyed by each generation of practitioners. Today Qigong
practice has spread beyond the borders of China and many people in the world are discovering the
benefits that Qigong practice has to offer.
Qigong Theory
Qigong theory can be very complex (and sometimes people feel the need to make it overly so). On a
basic level Qigong works with the body, the breath, and the mind. The exercises stimulate and circulate
the energy of the body. Practice clears energy blockages and stagnation, which lets the Qi circulate
freely. This promotes healing and good health. As the body becomes more balanced and starts to
function at a higher level, the systems of the body start to undergo an "upgrade". This allows the body
to operate at an even higher level of performance and energy.
There are three theories for Qigong practice that are essential for the beginner to understand. They are:
The Three Regulations, Natural and Relaxed, and Consistent Practice. Lets go over them now.
1 - Three Regulations
The Three Regulations are essential for proper Qigong training and practice. Although this sounds very
official and technical, you will see that the three regulations are in fact guideposts to be aware of to
make sure that you are practicing correctly.
These three regulations cover the three aspects of our being: body, breath, and mind. During the day a
person may have a disharmony of these three aspects. The disharmony keeps the energy and the body
from working as well as it could be. Through Qigong practice we learn to bring these aspects into
harmony. This allows the body to function more efficiently and is one aspect of improving health and
well being. With continued practice the lessons of harmony can be carried over into what we call daily
life (times when we are not practicing Qigong).
3 - Consistent Practice
Consistent practice is the key to obtaining results from Qigong. Qigong practice can be gentle, which is
the complete opposite of what people classify as exercise in the western world. The benefits of Qigong
come with consistent practice over time. The practice can change the body and energy in subtle ways,
making it healthier and stronger gradually. Consistent practice can help alleviate stress and tension,
keep the joints strong and healthy, and build up the constitution.
The Lower Dan Tien is located about 2-3 inches below the umbilicus and at the center of the body. This
center is associated with Jing. Jing is the most coarse substance of the three and relates to the physical
body. Jing is often translated into English as sperm and is the origin of life.
The Middle Dan Tien is located in the middle of the chest at about the level of the solar plexus. This
center is associated with Qi or Energy. This center also relates to the mind.
The Upper Dan Tien is located in the head and is related to Shen. Shen is thought of as spirit or
consciousness.
The Three Treasures (Jing, Qi, and Shen) are all related and can support and transform into each other.
They are actually the same substance at different levels of refinement.
Shen is more refined/rarefied Qi.
The first thing you should think about is what you want to get out of your Qi Gong practice. You
should choose a system that will give you what it is that you want. If you are looking to enhance and
promote general health and well being, then most of the packages and styles offered at this site are just
what you are looking for.
Then you should clearly define how much time you have to devote per day and what types of practice
you are interested.
Think about is how much time per day you have to devote to your practice. Some practices take only a
few minutes to go through, while others can take several hours or more. If you're very busy it would be
unrealistic to choose a system that does not fit into your daily schedule. You should also take into
account that when first starting there is a certain enthusiasm that tends to fade with time. This means,
we should be realistic in assessing the motivation and the amount of time that are willing to devote to
the practice. We might be enthusiastic about an hour and a half of practice per day for several weeks
but then we might start finding excuses for why we cannot practice that day. It would be more realistic
to find a system to practice in the beginning that takes less time. Then when we start to see results, the
results and benefits will motivate us to continue.
Then think about what type of things you are interested in. Not all Qi Gong systems are the same. If
you find it boring to sit still for long periods of time then you should not choose a system that requires
this. If you're not able to move vigorously than a system that requires that will be unsuitable for you.
You should choose something that you find interesting and fun to practice
If you choose a system that you enjoy practicing, fits into your daily schedule, and provides the
benefits that you're looking for then you have found the best Qi Gong system for you. Finding the best
system for yourself is very important.
http://QigongExercise.net
• Instant Downloads
• Detailed Instructional Video Lessons
• Many Different Qigong Styles
• Choose the One that is Right for You
• Experience the Benefits For Yourself