Question: What is chi kung and what is it good for?
Chi kung (also known as qi gong) translated from Chinese means "internal energy exercise". Nicknamed "Chinese yoga", it is a mind-body therapy that aims to stimulate the flow of energy (chi or qi), which doctors of traditional Chinese medicine believe travels around the body along channels known as meridians. Many different forms of chi kung exist — tai chi (or tai chi chuan) is probably one of the best-known forms.
Chi kung concentrates on your posture and breathing, via a system of slow-moving, precise, dance-like movements, which may involve lying down, sitting or standing, plus it teaches you how to focus your mind and concentrate intensely. There are also chi kung healers who try to use the energy to cure illnesses.
Advocates claim it can help a wide variety of ailments, including depression, menopausal symptoms, and even cancer. Studies have shown it reduces blood pressure, and many arthritis sufferers swear it has made all the difference to improving their mobility. In addition, chi kung has helped people in wheelchairs and those recovering from illness and injury to regain fitness — even the very elderly can benefit.
To find a practitioner near you, visit the Tai Chi Association of Australia at www.taichiaustralia.com.
Related video When you think of exercise you mightn't think of Yoga, but there's a form of Yoga that puts you through intense workouts, making you sweat it out in a heated room. We ask TODAY fitness contributor Michael Ryan to outline the benefits and the risks.
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