Qigong
Qigong is a mind-body practices that originated in ancient China. This gentle exercise helps improve health and overall well-being. Qi is pronounced chee and is usually translated as life energy that flows through all things in the universe.Gong, pronounced gung, means skill that is cultivated through steady practice."Qigong" means "cultivating the body's vital energy," and then using it to heal and strengthen every system throughout the body.
Kidneys, in the view of Traditional Chinese Medicine, is the essence of human body which produces and stories "Qi". This is why Qigong is recommended by kidney disease experts as supplementary treatment.
- What is Qigong?
- Is Qigong a religion?
- Benefits for managing kidney disease
- Can I take Qigong without any equipment?
- Dos and Don'ts
What is Qigong?
Qigong is an integration of physical postures, breathing techniques and focused intentions. It can be classified into 3 styles: martial, medical and spiritual Qigong. No matter which style the Qigong is, all of them will surely involve a posture, mental focus and breathing techniques. Some practices increase the Qi; others circulate it, use it to cleanse and heal the body, store it, or emit Qi to help heal others. Practices vary from the soft internal styles such as Tai Chi; to the external, vigorous styles such as Kung Fu. However, the slow gentle movements of most Qigong forms can be easily adapted, even for the physically challenged and can be practiced by all age groups.
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Is Qigong a religion?
No, definitely not! Qigong is a system of physical exercises designed to improve health, peace of mind, and vitality, which is also a form of meditation designed to harmonize the flow of living energy within the body.
Even though the original concepts of Qigong are rooted in Taoist thought, the original practitioners of Qigong never prayed to any deity or practiced a particular form of religion.
Qigong just was intended to be freely available to everyone as a way to improve their lives. It was never intended to become involved with any form of religious doctrine.
Back To TopBenefits for managing kidney disease
Qigong can benefit your kidneys in various aspects with different styles. Here are several simple Qigong type action that is good for kidneys.
- Medical Qigong helps elevating the kidneys, which will cure inflammation of the urinary bladder; kidney stones, urine containing blood, womb bleeding, frequent urination, and nocturnal emission etc.
- Alleviating back pain. Back is a common symptom of kidney disease. Chronic back pian can disappear with proper breathing practices of Qigong. This exercise of Charging the Kidneys is similar to the previous exercise, Charging the Center, except the breath is focused more to the lower back area, rather than the lower abdomen on the front of the body.
- Improve your immune system. Immune system disorder can be the cause of most kidney diseases. This is why a cold may make your kidney disease come back again. Qigong helps regulate your life energy and improve your immunity.
- Improve your sleep quality. Most patients with kidneys have the experience of bad sleep. Experts find that Qigong participants have improved sleep quality and length. The benefits are similar to those gained through drugs or cognitive behavioral therapy.
And you may feel other additional benefits from Qigong exercise as follows.
- Improved ability to cope with stress
- Reduced anxiety and depression
- Improved appetite and control of emotions
- Improved mental awareness and alertness
- Greater focus and concentration
- Slower aging response
Can I take Qigong without any equipment?
Yes, of course you are. Qigong asks no facility. You can find you need nothing, but a good teacher, if you want to learn it. Most Qigong are: easy to learn; do not require lots of room to perform; require no additional equipment; Non-strenuous; Easy to learn; Completely safe.
Back To TopDos and Don'ts
-Try to do qigong practice at the same time and the same place everyday.
- Remove any metal belt, necklace, bracelet or magnets that may form a magnetic field to block the qi flow before the qigong meditation.
- Adjust room temperature and clothing before beginning practice.
- Take a few minutes to calm down, relax and deepen your breathing before your practice.
- Don't practice with a full stomach.
- Don't practice this qigong if you have a history of schizophrenia or have a transplanted organ or major metal or plastic implant.
- Don't practice when you are experiencing intense emotions, such as sadness, anger or too much excitement.
- Don't take a bath or shower immediately after practice, or drink cold water, wait 20-30 minutes.
