Frequently Asked Questions
What is Qigong?
Qigong is a Chinese healing art that uses breathing, movement, and visualization to circulate Qi energy, the life force that regulates health and wellbeing.
What does "Qigong" mean?
"Qi" refers to the life force that animates all living beings and "gong" means cultivation or practice. "Qigong" is the cultivation of the life force.
What is the benefit of Qigong?
As you refine your Qi energy and draw in more life force you feel more "alive" and deepen your connection to the people around you, to nature and the cosmos. The more Qi energy you circulate the healthier you feel and the more you can accomplish.
What is the goal of Qigong?
Peace and happiness are the twin goals of Qigong. Peace arises from deep stillness and happiness arises from the harmonious flow of vital energies. The seamless integration of peace and happiness is the mark of an accomplished Qigong practitioner.
Who practices Qigong?
People of all ages and cultures practice Qigong worldwide. Whether you are healthy or looking to get healthier, young or looking to feel younger Qigong is for you. Everyone can practice.
Is Qigong a religion?
Qigong can be integrated into any worldview. It is free of dogma and beliefs. Universal virtues such as kindness, courage, and compassion are the "side effects" of practice. Whatever your lifestyle or personal views, you can benefit from Qigong.
What is the difference between Qigong and Yoga?
Qigong comes from China while Yoga comes from India. Both systems seek to integrate the body, mind, and spirit. The gentle flowing movements of Qigong are it's distinguishing feature.
Is Qigong a healing art or a martial art?
Qigong is a broad term that embraces the healing arts, the martial arts, as well as the spiritual arts. Robert Peng emphasizes the healing and spiritual dimensions of Qigong and also teaches some martial exercises to strengthen the body and focus the mind.
If you want to become more familiar with some basic Qigong terminology check out the glossary below:
TERMINOLOGY
The Three Dantians
The word "Dantian" means elixir field in Chinese. The Three Dantians function as the main Energy Centers that manage the flow of Qi or bio-energy throughout the body. They are located deep inside and contain vast reserves of power that can be harnessed through Qigong practice.
The Upper Dantian
The Upper Dantian located in the center of the head, right behind the point midway between the eyebrows. When this energy center is healthy and strong we are able to tap our Wisdom Qi, the source of intuition, vision, insight, and guidance. When the Upper Dantian is weak or blocked we feel confused, and when it hardens we are prone to becoming deceitful and lying.
The Middle Dantian
The Middle Dantian is located behind the center of the chest. When this Energy Center is healthy and strong we are able to tap our Love Qi, the source of understanding, kindness, generosity and compassion. When the Middle Dantian is weak or blocked we feel depressed, unloved, and rejected, and when it hardens we are prone to becoming emotionally cruel and insensitive.
The Lower Dantian
The Lower Dantian is located inside the lower torso, around three finger widths below the navel. When this Energy Center is healthy and strong we are able to tap our Vitality Qi, the source of exuberance, personal magnetism, and gutsiness. When the Middle Dantian is weak or blocked we feel "gutless," impotent, and depleted, and when it hardens we are prone to becoming reckless, forceful, and violent.
The Central Meridian
The Central Meridian an energy channel that runs along the center of the body, extending down from the top of the head to the perineum between the genitals and the anus. Along the way, the Central Meridian passes through the Three Dantians, connecting them, and regulating the flow of Qi between them. When the Central Meridian is healthy and strong we become balanced and integrated, and express our thoughts, feelings, and actions harmoniously. The Central Meridian also extends up above the head into the sky and down below the feet into the Earth.
The Three Treasures
Heaven, Earth, and the Human Being make up the Three Treasures, and the energy fields of these three elements are interlinked by the Central Meridian which extends up into the sky and down into the ground. When we have a strong connection to Heaven we become inspired, imaginative, and our life is filled with meaning. When we have a strong connection to Earth we feel grounded and can materialize our dreams. When the Three Dantians
and the Three Treasures are integrated energetically, we flow through life happily.
Awareness
Is the formless space in which all experience happens. Far from being an abstract and mystical idea, awareness is the root of all consciousness. The words you are reading right now are registering in your awareness. The story of our life is constantly playing out on the "screen" of awareness. By "awakening" awareness during Qigong practice, our Qi becomes an expression of our innermost Self.
