Qigong Through History
The practice of Qigong has an extensive history in China. Even before 1953, when Liu Gui-zheng coined the term Qigong in his paper, “The Practice On Qigong Therapy”, this type of therapeutic and meditative exercise had been practiced by the Chinese for thousands of years under other names such as Liandan, Jinggon, Daoyin, Xinggon, Xuangong, Neigong, Zhoshan, and Neiyangong.
There are definitive periods in the history of Qigong.
Before 206BCE: United Heaven, Earth, and Man
The Book of Changes, or Yi Jing, details the concept of Qi (chi) and the natural energy that exists in the earth and universe. The Book of Changes is believed to have been written in 1122BCE, but talks of ideas and beliefs that existed well before that time.
206 BCE– 500 AD: Qigong and Religion
During this time, Qigong is believed to have been combined with religion, particularly Buddhism. Many techniques were introduced from India. As a result, Qigong became an essential exercise in the practice of religion. This can still be seen today, most notably with the monks of Chan Buddhism.
After 500AD: Qigong and Martial Arts
Qigong was combined with martial arts, and still remains a vital component.
After the 1980s: Modern Day Research of Qigong
Qigong, its exercises and therapeutic effects, are being scientifically researched around the world. Scientific evidence to prove its healing properties for specific diseases (such as cancer and diabetes) remain inconclusive in the Western world. However, the West is slowly accepting Qigong, and other types of traditional Chinese medicine as a viable alternative to healing.
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