Prana and Chi Kung
Prana and Chi Kung (Qijong)
Prana is the Sanskrit term for vital energy. Its Chinese term is Chi. Prana and Chi can be cultivated to promote health, longevity, intelligence, wisdom, and happiness. We will focus on its Chinese form in this article. Chi Kung is an ancient Chinese practice that cultivates vital energy. Literally, it is the cultivation of "intrinsic energy" (Chi) through "dedicated, systematic effort" (Kung).
The earliest Chinese character (1) for Chi comes from the Shang Dynasty (1600 - 1000 BCE). The 3 lines refer to the wavelike character of air. A Bronzeware inscription (2) shows a later development of the character, which then developed into its present form (3), three wavy lines under which vapors arise from a pot of a boiling rice.
1
2
3
Chi is a comprehensive term and refers to many forms of energy. For example, it can refer to external chi, such as cosmic chi, stellar chi, wind chi, and magnetic chi. It can also refer to internal chi, such as heart chi, lung chi, and stomach chi. There are said to be hundreds of forms of internal chi.
Chi Kung comprises a broad range of disciplines: martial arts, the use of weapons, calisthenics, concentration, meditation, visualization, use of sounds, use of colors, use of mandalas, and feng shi (spatial alignment). Masters of Chi Kung train for many years, increasing their vital energy by paying close attention to their diet, environment, relationships, and spirit.
Chi Kung encompasses a comprehensive philosophy that takes considerable time to understand. As with all wisdom traditions, Chi Kung offers more than ever can be learned. Though each student's ability and commitment varies, twenty minutes of practice per day is ideal for steady progress and noticeable benefits.
Chi Kung is often taken to be—and taught as—a form of calisthenics. It is much more than that. Chi Kung, when properly taught, combines three elements: 1) movement linked to 2) breathing linked to visualization.
Chi is developed in three ways, by 1) cleansing the external body, 20 cleansing the inner tissues and organs, and 3) cleansing the emotions and spirit.
It is important to note that Chi Kung is not a quick fix for chronic conditions that have been created by years of poor diet, excessive sitting, bad posture, and lack of exercise. But a systematic program of good health habits which includes Chi Kung can create remarkable changes. Chi Kung stretches muscles, tendons, and joints which have become tight and stiff. It also improves circulation, activates the immune system, creates vigor, cleanses the emotions, and elevates the spirit.
As you begin your practcie of Chi Kung, limit it until you slowly develop your strength. Massage sore areas and make periodic visits to a health care provider for body alignment and relief of tension. Be easy on yourself, substituing relaxed attitudes for compulsive ones.
Follow to the best of your ability the 8 Keys of Health:
Read, consider, and follow to the best of your ability the 8 Keys of Health:
1)
a nutritious diet,
2)
sufficient fresh air, exercise, and sunlight,
3)
adequate rest and sleep,
4)
energy balancing, body alignment, and sunlight
5)
an open, resourceful attitude
6)
good company
7)
satisfying work
8)
spiritual practice, whose foundation is ethics
Chi Kung requires natural ability, practice, and a teacher. Books and videos have supplementary value. Deng Meng-Dao's Scholar Warrior (San Francisco: HarperCollins, 1990) provides a comprehensive account of Chi Kung. The Tao Te Ching, often called the Bible of Taoism, is available in a very readable translation by Stephen Addis & Stanley Lombardo (Hackett Paperback).
Avoid Bad Chi
Avoid the following, which deplete chi and can be toxic:
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processed meats
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pickled and smoked foods
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Genetically Modified foods (GMO) – over 800 on the shelves
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hydrogenated oils
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refined white sugar and sweeteners
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refined white flour
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farmed salmon
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microwave popcorn
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potato chips
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canned tomatoes
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Electromagnetic Magnetic Fields
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Indoor Air Pollution