Imagine being able to heal yourself and others. That is exactly what is happening with an ancient healing art called Qigong. Finding its roots five thousand years ago in Chinese medicine and the marital arts, Qigong is becoming famous for promoting health. Qigong, or Chi Kung, is a healing art that involves a combination of flowing physical poses and controlled breathing patterns. It is often referred to as a moving meditation that is greatly enhanced with visualization techniques. In Chinese, Qi (Chi) means "life energy" or "breath", and gong means "discipline" or "cultivation." So Qigong is the art of breath work and the cultivation of vital energy. Not only is it very simple and easy to follow, but also it has tremendous health benefits.

Everything is comprised of Qi including all matter right down to the atom and molecule. Qi is referred to as the natural energy of the universe which enables us to do all things. According to the Chinese healing model, health is optimized when the body's Qi is freely flowing. When it is not freely flowing, it becomes blocked, and we begin to experience pain, disease and other physical problems. A Qigong healer is able to detect where the Qi of a patient is stagnant and out of balance. Without touching the patient, the healer uses his hands to pass Qi directly into the patient releasing the blocked energy. It is this flowing balanced life energy that allows the body to heal itself. With increasing popularity and acceptance in the West, we are now beginning to experience Qigong's amazing healing properties. Research is filled with its great health benefits, including:

Improving joint mobility
Increasing range of motion
Freeing Qi energy
to energize the body
Greater circulation
Reduce stress
Stimulate the lymph system
Strengthens the immune system
Helps with weight control
Helps with arthritis
Increases metabolism
Establishes balance
Inner peace
Increases oxygenation to the tissue
Helps digestion

It is easy to see from this short list how the body can benefit greatly from Qigong. However, what is really amazing are the stories of healing miracles people received with Qigong. Here are some of them:

Bleeding brain stem
Migraines
Lung disease
Fibrocystic breast disease
Terminal bone cancer
Immune disease
Heart palpitations
Weight loss
High blood pressure
Arthritis
Blocked arteries

Since 1989, medical Qigong has been the official standard technique practiced in Chinese hospitals, and it is part of their National Health Plan. However, that does little to stop the ongoing controversy in Western medicine where most medical practitioners point toward the lack of scientific research. As the cost of Western medicine spirals out of control, people searching for answers are flocking to alternative health care. Naturally, always consult with your medical professional before trying anything new, and don't abandon your present treatment schedule. You will find Qigong is a great compliment to whatever treatment you are presently receiving. For healing to be complete it must be balanced in all areas (spiritually, emotionally, energetically and physically). Qigong fits the bill in all respects. It is filled with great benefits on all levels: it is fun to do; it is low in cost; it is complimentary to Western medicine and it is a great preventive exercise. Give it a try, maybe it will be your miracle that we read next.