Zhineng Qigong consists of a comprehensive philosophy and series of movements (called “Methods”), performed in a state of relaxation, that range from basic to advanced levels.
In Zhineng Qigong, directing the internal activities of the mind-consciousness is as important as performing the actual physical movements. Students learn to regulate their internal Qi flow to improve their health and wellbeing, help recover from illnesses, enhance their mental faculties and promote longevity. Practitioners can also use Qi to heal themselves and other people, drawing from the limitless reservoir of Qi from the universe.
What distinguishes Zhineng Qigong from other disciplines is that it is simple, easy to practice, effective and safe.
For over thousands of years, the Chinese have recognized Qi as the life force or vital energy that is the basic building block of the universe and living beings. There are two types of Qi: vital energy of the universe (universal Qi) and vital energy within the human body (internal Qi). According to Qigong theory, the life process involves the healthy interaction and interchange between universal Qi from nature and our internal Qi. This is because man and nature are one.
According to traditional Chinese medical theory, Qi flows through the human body along a network of Qi channels or meridians. Metabolic processes rely on Qi and Qi, in turn, is generated through the metabolic process. Thus energy converts into matter and matter converts into energy. It follows, therefore, that disease and illness are the result or manifestations of blocked Qi or deficient Qi, and the re-establishing of good Qi flow, in turn, restores the body to health.
Jing refers to the physical body and structures such as cells. Qi is the life force or energy source. Shen is roughly translated as mind/consciousness.
Consciousness (shen) is the master of Qi, while Qi dictates the physical body (Jing). Likewise, the body nourishes Qi and Qi nourishes the consciousness. This holistic view of humans as an integration of jing-Qi-shen forms the underpinning of Qigong healing and therapy.
There was something formless and perfect before the universe was born.
It is serene. Empty. Solitary. Unchanging. Infinite. Eternally present.
From it, like from a mother, everything living has come.
It has no name so I shall call it Tao. It has no limit. So I shall call it the infinite.
It flows through all things, inside and outside, and returns to the origin of all things.
Being infinite, it manifests as the spaciousness of the sky. it manifests as the vastness of galaxies, stars, and planets. it manifests as human life.
Tao Te Ching. verso 25