Chi-Gung

It is not necessarily relevant to believe in the exact definition of Chi, nor is it important what it is called. The practice of Chi Gung has proven to be beneficial no matter for what purpose it is practiced. In the early stages a practitioner will be able to benefit from the calm and serenity that is associated with Chi Gung, but also increase his understanding and control of his body’s motions, including the breathing, and relieve tension that may have built up.

What is Chi?

The human body is an inseparable whole of Mind, Body and Spirit. The Chi is what connects these and all the parts of your body; it is the life force, which powers the ‘machine’ of the body, comparable to electricity powering a radio or computer. Chi is the power source that allows your eyes to see, your muscles to move and your organs to function. Several thousand years ago Chinese medicine already defined and used the concept of Chi to relieve pain and permit your body to self heal effectively. Chi is also considered to be the source of the phenomenal power of the great Martial Arts Masters.

What is Chi Gung?

Chi can be translated as ‘vitality, energy or life force’; Gung means to ‘cultivate, practice, refine’. Hence Chi Gung can be translated as cultivating, developping and refining, through practice, one’s vitality or life force. Chi Gung has existed for a very long time in various forms, often linked to the purpose of the exercise. In Chinese medicine it was used to relieve pain and help the body self heal; mystics and spiritual masters used Chi Gung to further the clarity of their minds. The Chi Gung that is associated with Nam Pai Chuan is designed to help strengthen the body, increase the practitioner’s awareness and provide the ability to control the flow of the Chi in order to channel it into a body part to increase resistance or deliver a devastating blow.

Predominantly centred around breathing, Nam Pai Chuan Chi Gung consists of external and internal exercises that are designed to enhance the flow of the Chi. Movements of limbs and body give the practice of the former, an external appearance, whilst internal Chi Gung is practised from an immobile position, where the movement is internal. These exercises, undertaken in various sitting and standing positions that align your body in a way to allow an optimal circulation of the Chi enable the practitioner to relax and become aware of his mind, body and spirit.