Understanding the Basic Principles of Qigong Meditation

Qigong is considered as a precious Chinese heritage and today, it still remains an inseparable part of alternative medicine which is becoming popular all over the world. It is a specific mental and/or physical exercise which aims to train, develop and condition the mind and body for the purpose of health, healing, longevity, and opening wisdom. In its basic definition, Qigong is ‘energy work.’ This energy is divided into the energy of non-living things and the energy of living things. In a human body, they regard this energy as qi. By practicing Qigong meditation, one can increase the strength of that energy to improve health. Meanwhile, to fully reap the benefits of this form of exercise, it is better to understand its underlying basic theories.

First Principle : "Where Qi flows smoothly there is health, happiness, and well-being. Where Qi flow is impeded, there is disease, distress, and conflict."

Primarily, this is the basic principle of Qigong. While the smooth qi flow is regarded as a natural state of being, this can be affected by our responses to the demands of life. The way we manage internal and external stressors are the major factors that interrupt qi flow while physical tension, rigid thought patterns, emotional holding patterns, and patterns of spiritual resignation can impede qi flow. When practicing Qigong, you learn to control the flow and distribution of qi to improve the health and harmony of mind and body.

Second Principle : "The mind leads the qi and the qi follows the mind"

With Qigong’s strong mental emphasis on internal relaxation, it can lead us to feelings of pleasure and harmony. It allows us to choose a different and relaxed response to stressors instead of the frazzled, knee-jerk reaction that we usually have. We learn to use the power of our mind to cultivate and circulate universal qi. This circulation of qi leads to the circulation of blood, lymphatic fluid, and nerve impulses into their respective pathways.

Third Principle : Active Relaxation

In Qigong, relaxation is both the first requirement as well as the final goal. There are some methodical, step by step, and rhythmical exercises in Qigong that help the body to be more relaxed, comfortable, and be in its natural state. This enhances the qi and blood circulation, coordinating the internal organs, opens the qi pathways, and enhances physical fitness. In Qigong meditation, you are present and aware while being relaxed and calm. With this, you will learn to detach from your patterns of stress in order to recover the original joy and vitality which resides steadfastly ever-available at the core of our being.

So, those are the basic principles of Qigong to guide the practitioners to do it in the correct way. It is essential to learn these things before beginning the Qigong practice. One also needs to adhere to these principles in order to succeed in this kind of exercise. Moreover, efforts should also be made to overcome all objective difficulties and if one practices the exercises with perseverance, results are guaranteed.