This short article was published in the now defunct Egyptian magazine Heliopolis Volume 6, Issue 9 (May 2001).

Qi Gong: Like a Tree Standing

Forget all of that muscle pumping, strain inducing aerobic exercise, and get yourself really healthy through the Chinese art of Qi Gong (pronounced "Jee Gong"). Qi Gong; literally "energy exercise", is one of the most powerful and demanding forms of exercise ever developed, yet is so simple and gentle that anyone of any age or fitness can practice it and reap benefits from it.

Once a closely guarded secret, the benefits of Qi Gong are now being discovered by people the world over. Based on millennia old studies of the human energy system, the Chinese developed Qi Gong as a way of stimulating and harmonising the body's internal flow of "chi", or energy. Whereas most other forms of exercise concentrate on developing key muscle groups and strengthening the heart, lungs and cardiovascular system, Qi Gong cleanses and strengthens all of the body's internal systems, including the immune system. Because Qi Gong increases energy, rather than consuming it, the practitioner never becomes tired. All of the body's systems begin to work at full capacity again, and through the natural deep breathing that Qi Gong practice promotes, the heart is supplied with an abundance of oxygen; strengthening it and sustaining it. By relaxing the nervous and muscular systems simultaneously, energy can rush through the entire network of chi channels, or "meridians", restoring that level of vitality that we are all born with.

According to the Chinese, chi is the fundamental force that sustains life. As the years pass, blockages in the flow of chi can result in our energy levels becoming depleted, leading to the development of a variety of mental and physical disorders. Through the action of increased chi flow, Qi Gong is used, not only as a system for the maintenance and development of health, but also as a curative. It is for its healing abilities, that Qi Gong is now drawing so much attention and examination from around the world. Not only has it proven to be effective against a variety of common illnesses, but it has also shown remarkable results in the treatment of a number of problems that have so far mystified both Western and traditional Chinese medicine, such as arthritis, hypertension, some tumours, and chronic disorders of the cardiovascular, respiratory and nervous systems.

There are no special requirements to take up Qi Gong. It can be practiced anywhere, and needs little space. In fact, in one form; Zhan Zhuang (pronounced "Jam Jong"), all of the exercises are done on one spot! You do not need to be particularly fit, but you do need patience! A state of balanced health can only be achieved through regular and sustained practice over a period of time, but almost immediately, you will begin to feel the action of increased chi flow having a beneficial effect on your body.

There are many forms of Qi Gong, but the common factor in all of them is a graceful sense of flowing with life, whether this is expressed through gentle movement or through the static forms of this art. The focus is on growing 'from within'; like a tree standing. Through practicing Qi Gong, it is possible,