Introduction
Understanding Practice
The qigong is a diverse group of Chinese exercises, which are linked to health, martial arts, meditation or religion according to the schools. The word qi belongs to a traditional setting and does not correspond to an energy measured by physics.
Benefits sought
- Soft mobility
- Balance
- Wellbeing
- Feeling of vitality
History and evolution
The exercise of breath and conduct of the body has a long history in China. The term qigong has grouped and reorganized many methods in the 20th century.
Practice guidance
- Slow and comfortable movement
- Non-forced breathing
- Beware of sensations
- Regular repetition of simple forms
What does a session look like?
A session often combines self-massage, standing postures, repeated gestures and a return to calm. Some schools add visualizations or references to meridians.
What we know — and what we don't know
Encouraging results for balance and some quality of life indicators, but often heterogeneous studies.
Some synthesises suggest an interest in balance, risk of fall or quality of life, but methods and protocols vary greatly. Claims of healing by qi emission are not established.
Precautions and limits
- Adapt postures to physical abilities.
- Avoid speeches asking for treatment to be abandoned.
- Be careful about intensive breathing or mental practices.
Severe pain, aggravation, unusual symptom or psychological distress require appropriate professional advice. Orabel does not offer any diagnosis or prescription.
Status in France
The qigong teacher's title is not a regulated health title.
Distinguish traditional language from qi from biomedical explanations and not turn a metaphor into evidence.
Sources